Absolute rate constants for the decarbonylation of the phenylacetyl radical

Abstract

The rate of α scission of the phenylacetyl radical has been determined by laser flash photolysis in isooctane, methanol, and tetrahydrofuran. There is no significant solvent effect on the rate. In isooctane, the rate constant for decarbonylation can be represented by log (k/s-1) = (12.0 ± 0.3) - (6.9 ± 0.4)/2.3RT kcal/mol. © Copyright, 1983, by the American Chemical Society.