Rate constants and isotope effects for the reaction of H-atom abstraction from RH substrates by PINO radicals

Abstract

The kinetics of the reactions of hydrogen atom abstraction from the C–H bonds of substrates of different structures by phthalimide-N-oxyl radicals is studied. The rate constants of this reaction are measured and the kinetic isotope effects are determined. It is shown that in addition to the thermodynamic factor, Coulomb forces and donor–acceptor interactions affect the reaction between phthalimide-N-oxyl radicals and substrate molecules, altering the shape of the transition state. This favors the tunneling of hydrogen atoms and leads to a substantial reduction in the activation energy of the process.