With funding from the Organic Dynamics Program, Professor Morton of the Univ. of Cal. Riverside will investigate the mechanistic dynamics of gas phase organic ion reactions. In this endeavor theory will be compared to the results and classical reaction mechanisms. Specifically, the structures of perfluorinated cations, the nature of vinyl cations, the mode of decomposition of t-butyl ethers, isotope scrambling of primary alkyl phenyl ethers, hydride shift vs oxygen bridging in ethanol and it derivatives and the electrophilic attack of double bonds by protonated acetaldehyde will be examined. The nature of these investigations, if successful, should provide new insights into very fundamental organic processes. Reactions occurring in the gas phase have both a fundamental and a practical value. The fundamental value results from the fact that the reactants are unencumbered by solvent. Thus intrinsic data on a given process can be obtained. The practical value in this case results from the fact that these types of reactions occur in the atmosphere. Thus, our understanding of such pathways provide a platform for understanding a variety of pollution problems. This proposal addresses both of these concepts.
