Radiation-induced oxidation of 2-propanol by nitrous oxide in alkaline aqueous solution

The radiation-induced oxidation of 2-propanol to acetone by N 2 O in alkaline aqueous solution proceeds via a free radical chain mechanism independent of pH above 12.5. The results are explained by abstraction of H from 2-propanol by O − at both the α and β positions (85% α attack). Chain propagation is by reaction of the α radical anion, (CH 3 ) 2 ĊO − , with N 2 O with a rate constant of (3.8 ± 0.4) × 10 4 M −1 s −1 and by reaction of the β radical, ĊH 2 (CH 3 )CHOH, with 2-propanol to give the α radical with a rate constant of 430 ± 30 M −1 s −1 .The conclusions are supported by the demonstration of kinetic isotope effects for selectively deuterated alcohols.