2-Chloro-2,2-difluoracetamide (ClF2CC(O)NH2). Thermal Decomposition, Vapour Infrared, Mass Spectrometry, Low-temperature NMR, and Theoretical Studies. Solvent Effects on Conformational Preferences

Abstract

Gas-phase thermal decomposition of 2-chloro-2,2-difluoracetamide (CDFA) was studied at temperatures between 270 and 290°C. The rate constant for the decomposition follows the Arrhenius equation. Mass spectrometry was used to analyze the decomposition pattern of the title compound. The FT-IR spectrum of the vapour phase and the infrared spectra of CDFA in protic and aprotic solvents were recorded. Potential energy surfaces were studied by theoretical calculations performed at the density functional theory level (PBEPBE and B3LYP methods) using the 6-31G*, 6-31+G*, 6-311+G**, aug-cc-pVDZ, and aug-cc-pVTZ basis sets.