The thermal unimolecular isomerisation of 2-methylallyl vinyl ether

Abstract

The thermal isomerisation of 2-methylallyl vinyl ether has been investigated in the gas phase. In the range 423–461°K the reactant isomerises by a first-order homogeneous process to yield only trans-hex-4-enal. The rate constants, which are independent of pressure in the range 6–100 mm., fit the Arrhenius equation k= 10^11·15exp(–29,100/RT) sec^–1. The evidence suggests that the reaction is a true unimolecular isomerisation proceeding through a six-centre transition state.