AbstractsChemistry

The mercury photosensitized decomposition of n-butane ; The kinetics of the factors influencing the stability of "S".

by Alden Wendell. Hay




Institution: McGill University
Department: Department of Chemistry.
Degree: Doctor of Philosphy.
Year: 1942
Keywords: Chemistry.
Record ID: 1516872
Full text PDF: http://digitool.library.mcgill.ca/thesisfile125762.pdf


Abstract

PART A The mercury photosensitized decomposition of n-butane was investigated at 100, 175 and 250°C. Hydrogen, octanes and dodecanes were the main products found. The mechanism of the reaction was concluded to be a C-H bond split followed by radical combination reactions. PART B The reactions of N, N1-di-β-chloroethyl)-methyl amine (”S”) In absolute methanol were investigated at 0, 25, and 41.5°C by following the rate at which it disappeared and the rate at which chloride and hydrogen ions formed. Analytical methods used were shown to be valid. It was concluded that the principal reaction involved is dimerization by a unimolecular Sn1 mechanism. The reaction was found to have an activation energy of about 9.6 Kcal.