Kinetics of the HBr-catalyzed photoisomerization of the allyl halides

The kinetics of the gas phase bond isomerization of allyl fluoride, allyl chloride and allyl bromide, catalyzed by HBr and ultraviolet light, has been studied in the temperature range of 150–250° and at pressures of 3.5 to 50 mm. The reactions are very clean, first order in allyl halide and HBr, and have a light intensity exponent of unity. A quantum yield for allyl chloride of 3200 indicates a chain reaction. Dilution with inert gases is almost without effect, indicating that excited state intermediates are not involved. A small wall effect is observed. The evidence indicates a free radical reaction, involving hydrogen ions by bromine atoms, with replacement at the other end of the allylic radical.