A computational perspective on the kinetics and thermochemistry of the gas phase reactions of 1, 1-dichlorodimethylether (DCDME) with OH radical at 298 K

Kinetics and thermochemistry of the gas phase reactions between CH3OCHCl2 (DCDME) and OH radical are investigated theoretically. The geometries and all the stationary points on the potential energy surface are calculated at BHandHLYP/6-311G(d,p) method. The energy information is further refined at CCSD(T)/6-311G(d,p) level of theory. Reaction profiles are modelled including the formation of two pre-reactive and post-complexes. The rate constants, which are evaluated by Canonical Transition State Theory (CTST) including tunnelling correction at 298 K, are in very good agreement with the available experimental data. The percentage contributions of both reaction channels are also reported at 298 K. The hydrogen abstraction reaction from the –CHCl2 group is found to be dominant leading to the formation of CH3OCCl2 + H2O. Using group-balanced isodesmic reactions, the standard enthalpies of formation for CH3OCHCl2, CH3OCCl2 and CH2OCHCl2 are also reported.