Organic radicals will be prepared in the gas phase and the corresponding infrared absorption spectra recorded. In a separate set of experiments, utilizing a flowing afterglow apparatus, the reactivity of hydrocarbon radicals in the gas phase with negative ions will be investigated. Gas phase species to be generated and studied include methyl, vinyl, allyl, allene, phenyl, and benzyl radicals. The radicals will be produced via a pyrolysis supersonic jet with a high temperature nozzle. A photoionization mass spectrometer will be employed to follow the pyrolysis effluent at the head of a zirconia nozzle. %%% This grant from the Organic Dynamics Program supports an investigation of radicals and biradicals and their reactions with a variety of species in the gas phase under the direction of Professor G. B. Ellison at the University of Colorado. Some of the most reactive species produced during the course of many chemical transformations are radicals, which contain one unpaired electron, and biradicals, which contain two unpaired electrons. Whereas most of the previous work with organic radicals involved reactions in liquid solutions, Professor Ellison will generate reactive radical species in the gas phase with a high temperature nozzle. The radicals will be exposed to a stream of charged gas phase molecules and the chemical subsequent chemical transformations observed directly. Comparison of the experimental results with computer simulations will lead to a better understanding of the reactions of radicals and biradicals.
