Reaction of the Excited Oxygen Atoms (O1D2) with Isobutane

Reaction of ${\mathrm{O}}^1{D}_2$ atoms, formed by photolysis of N₂O at 2139 Å, with isobutane has been studied in the gas phase at room temperature and at total pressures between 80 and 1250 torr. The major features of the reaction are similar to those observed previously in this Laboratory with propane. The excited atoms insert indiscriminately into the primary and tertiary CH bonds of isobutane. The “hot” butanols formed by insertion are stabilized at pressures much lower than those required for stabilization of “hot” propanols. The lifetimes of the “hot” butanols have been determined. The reaction mechanism is discussed.