Willcott, Mark RobertFitzgerald, J. M.Cominsky, N. C.McElrath, Eby N.2022-06-222022-06-22197013740192https://hdl.handle.net/10657/9910The kinetic and thermodynamic properties of the thermal isomerization of [alpha]-pinene have been examined. A stereospecifically deuterated [alpha]-pinene was synthesized and pyrolyzed. The positions of the label in the products were determined, and this information was used in formulating a mechanism for the pinene rearrangements. Arrhenius expressions for the thermal rearrangement of [alpha]-pinene to dipentene and alloocimene have been determined for rate data obtained from a stirred flow reactor. The new rates have been compared, in detail, to those determined in earlier studies and found to be similar, but not identical. The pinene reaction is unimolecular and produces dipentene and alloocimene as primary products. It is not possible to construct a completely detailed mechanism from a review of all the available data. It has been found that the two primary products are not formed in two simultaneous independent reactions. The report that pinene undergoes a thermal racemization has been disproved for temperatures less than 275[degrees]C.application/pdfenThis item is protected by copyright but is made available here under a claim of fair use (17 U.S.C. Section 107) for non-profit research and educational purposes. Users of this work assume the responsibility for determining copyright status prior to reusing, publishing, or reproducing this item for purposes other than what is allowed by fair use or other copyright exemptions. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires express permission of the copyright holder.Thesisreformatted digital