Isomerization and dissociation of ethylbenzene and xylene molecular ions: A DFT study

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Abstract

This study presents a theoretical exploration of the potential energy surface for the isomerization and dissociation to C7 H7+ of ethylbenzene, and o-, m-, and p-xylene molecular ions. Quantum chemical calculations at the B3LYP/6-311+G(3df, 2p)//B3LYP/6-31G(d) level indicated that isomerizations to methyl derivatives of the isotoluene ions could play important roles in the dissociations, particularly in the formation of the benzylium ion (Bz) from the xylene ions. It was predicted that Bz formation occurs mainly in a direct pathway from the ethylbenzene ion, while it does via the substituted isotoluene ions from the xylene ions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)39-44
Number of pages6
JournalChemical Physics Letters
Volume435
Issue number1-3
DOIs
StatePublished - 12 Feb 2007

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