Reactions of perfluoroethyl radicals with propane and neopentane

Abstract

The reactions of C₂F₅ radicals with neopentane and propane have been studied, using perfluoroethyl iodide as the free radical source. The Arrhenius parameters, based on A= 10^13.36 cm³ mol^–1 s^–1 and E= 0 for the combination of C₂F₅ radicals, are: [graphic omitted] Analysis of the propyl iodides in the products allows calculation of the Arrhenius parameters for C₂F₅ attack at specific sites in the propane molecule, providing the values: [graphic omitted] Arrhenius parameters for hydrogen abstraction from alkanes by C₂F₅, CF₃ and C₂H₅ radicals are compared; C₂H₅ is the least reactive whilst CF₃ and C₂F₅ have similar reactivities.