Thermochemical and Kinetic Studies of Important Radical Reactions

Sidney Benson教授获得了理论与计算化学项目的资助，对重要的自由基反应进行热化学和动力学研究。本森教授将继续使用他开发的极低压反应堆（VLPR）进行反应动力学研究。将进行两个特定领域的研究：1)烷基自由基与氧的反应动力学，以努力区分加成机制和甲基化机制，并确定两者是否具有竞争性；2)氯原子和氢原子以及烷烃、烯烃、氯、氟烷烃和烯烃等物质之间的原子自由基反应动力学。为了提高碳氢化合物燃烧的效率和调节大气中各种燃烧副产物对环境的影响，更全面地了解气相化学反应是必不可少的。本森教授的研究使人们了解了热点火现象，以及导致发动机爆震的因素。使用一种被称为极低压反应器的专用仪器，Benson教授能够在受控的实验室环境中研究这些过程的潜在自由基机制。

Professor Sidney Benson is supported by a grant from the Theoretical and Computational Chemistry Program to perform thermochemical and kinetic studies of important radical reactions. Professor Benson will continue his studies of reaction kinetics using the Very Low Pressure Reactor (VLPR) which he has developed. Two specific areas of research will be pursued: 1) kinetics of reactions of alkyl radicals with oxygen in an effort to distinguish the addition mechanism from the methathesis mechanism, and to identify both if they are competitive; and 2) kinetics of atom-radical reactions between chlorine and hydrogen atoms and species such as alkanes, alkenes and chloro- and fluoro- alkanes and alkenes. %%% A more complete understanding of gas phase chemical reactions is essential in order to improve the efficiency of hydrocarbon combustion, and to mediate the environmental impact of various combustion byproducts in the atmosphere. Professor Benson's research has led to an understanding of the phenomenon of hot ignition, and the factors which contribute to engine knocking. Using a specialized instrument known as a Very Low Pressure Reactor, Professor Benson is able to study the underlying free radical mechanisms for these processes in a controlled laboratory environment.