Kinetics of the reactions of chlorine atoms with a series of acetates

The kinetics of the reactions of Cl atoms with a series of alkyl acetates were investigated using relative and absolute rate methods in 2–700 Torr of N2 at room temperature. Consistent results were obtained using the two methods. The data from the absolute rate measurements were more precise and were (in units of 10−11 cm3 molecule−1 s−1): ethyl acetate, 1.76 ± 0.11; n-propyl acetate, 7.19 ± 0.11; i-propyl acetate, 1.97 ± 0.24; n-butyl acetate, 15.8 ± 0.94; i-butyl acetate, 9.97 ± 0.60; s-butyl acetate, 8.01 ± 0.48; and t-butyl acetate, 1.64 ± 0.10. The reactivity of alkyl acetates is discussed in terms of structure–activity relationship.