Thermal Decomposition of 2(3H) and 2(5H) Furanones: Theoretical Aspects.

The thermal decomposition reactions of 2(3H) and 2(5H) furanones and their methyl derivatives are explored. Theoretical calculations of the barriers, reaction enthalpies, and the properties of these and intermediate species are reported using the composite model chemistry CBS-QB3 and also the functional M06-2X allied to the 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. Thus, the bond dissociation enthalpies, ionization energies, and unimolecular chemical kinetic rate constants in the high-pressure limit were computed.