H. Somnitz et R. Zellner, Theoretical studies of unimolecular reactions of C-2-C-5 alkoxy radicals. Part II. RRKM dynamical calculations, PHYS CHEM P, 2(9), 2000, pp. 1907-1918
Rate constants for the unimolecular decomposition and isomerisation reactio
ns of primary and secondary alkoxy radicals up to pentoxy have been determi
ned theoretically. We make use of a formerly derived extensive set of ab in
itio data to calculate specific rate constants via RRKM theory. A subsequen
t master equation analysis provides a weak collision treatment with inclusi
on of multi-channel fall-off effects. The resulting kinetic data are compar
ed with rate constants reported in the literature. Good agreement was found
with the more established experimental values, which confirms our modified
G2(PMP2,SVP) approach to yield critical barriers of chemical accuracy. In
addition, we provide an analytical parameterisation of our theoretical fall
-off curves in terms of the semi-empirical Troe-formalism, which can easily
be used for purposes of atmospheric modelling. Furthermore, our results re
present a complete set of kinetic data, which allow a systematic comparison
of the reactivity of different alkoxy radicals.