Semi-empirical method for calculating the activation energies of the unimolecular thermal decomposition of vinyl ethers

摘要

A semi-empirical method is proposed for calculating the activation energy of the unimolecular decomposition of complex compounds using the example of vinyl (ethyl, propyl, and butyl) ethers. The method is based on the concept of the formation of intramolecular hydrogen bonds and the possibility of calculating the energy of deformation of ether molecules upon activation, resulting in the potential surface of the transition state undergoing distortion and the transfer of a hydrogen atom from an alkyl group to a vinyl group. The energy of deformation is calculated using the Mathcad 2001i and MM2 computer programs.