Radiation-induced Oxidation of 2-Propanol by Nitrous Oxide in Alkaline Aqueous Solution

The radiation-induced oxidation of 2-propanol to acetone by N2O 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, (CH3)2ĊO−, with N2O with a rate constant of (3.8 ± 0.4) × 104 M−1 s−1 and by reaction of the β radical, ĊH2(CH3)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.