Kinetics of Unimolecular and Bimolecular Reactions of Halocarbons and Haloalcohols in the Gas Phase

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In this project in the Experimental Physical Chemistry Program, Bert Holmes of Lyon College is funded by a Research in Undergraduate Institutions award to measure unimolecular and bimolecular rate constants for a series of gas-phase reactions involving halocarbons using chemical activation. Studies will include the 1,2-dehydrohalogenation of haloalkanes for which for which the nature of the transition states will be determined, and 1,2-dehydration of chemically activated haloalcohols for which rate constants and threshold energy barriers will be determined. The results from these studies will be used to test recent theories concerning transitions states for bimolecular reactions of haloalkyl radicals. This work will provide an improved understanding of some of the reaction resulting in ozone depletion. Additionally, the work will provide strong motivation for undergraduate students to pursue careers in chemistry. Ozone depletion is a complex problem involving gas-phase, liquid-phase, and interfacial reactions. In order to understand the problem, typical unimolecular and bimolecular reactions of molecules known to contribute to ozone depletion must be measured and understood. Professor Holmes' work will address some of the issues involved in this serious problem, while at the same time giving undergraduate students the opportunity to perform experiments in a timely and important area.