Temperature Independent Factor in the Relative Rates of Isotopic Three Center Reactions

Abstract

It is shown that the theoretical equation for the ratio of the rate constants of isotopic molecules is essentially independent of whether the crossing of the barrier is treated as a translation or a vibration. The temperature independent factor in this equation is evaluated for the case of substitution or displacement reactions. Calculations are presented for several cases involving the isotopes of carbon where there is simultaneous bond rupture and bond formation.