Benzoxyl radical decomposition kinetics: formation of benzaldehyde + H, phenyl + CH2O, and benzene + HCO.

The kinetics of benzoxyl radical decomposition was studied using ab initio computational chemistry and RRKM rate theory. The benzoxyl radical is an important but short-lived intermediate in the combustion of toluene and other alkylated aromatic hydrocarbons. A theoretical study of the thermochemistry and kinetics to products over a range of temperatures and pressures for benzoxyl decomposition is reported. Ab initio calculations with the G3X theoretical method reveal low-energy pathways from the benzoxyl radical to benzaldehyde + H and the phenyl radical + formaldehyde (CH(2)O), as well as a novel mechanism to benzene + the formyl radical (HC(*)O). RRKM simulations were performed for benzoxyl decomposition as a function of temperature and pressure. Benzaldehyde formation constitutes more than 80% of the total reaction products at temperatures below 1000 K, decreasing to around 50% at 2000 K. Formation of benzene + HC(*)O and phenyl + CH(2)O is of similar importance, each accounting for 5-10% of the decomposition products at around 1000 K, increasing to 20-30% at 2000 K. The results presented here should lead to improved kinetic models for the oxidation of alkylated aromatic hydrocarbons, particularly for the formation of benzene as a direct oxidation product of toluene. Re-evaluation of the phenyl radical heat of formation leads us to suggest a benzene C-H bond dissociation energy in the range of 113.5-114.5 kcal mol(-1).