Products and reaction sequences in tetrahydrofuran exposed to low-energy electrons

Electron-stimulated reactions in solid films of tetrahydrofuran (THF), condensed on Kr spacers deposited on a Pt substrate, or directly onto the substrate, were induced and monitored simultaneously with use of high-resolution electron-energy-loss spectroscopy in the ranges of vibrational and electronic excitations. The spectra of the molecular films obtained after a certain time of exposure to electrons at incident energies of 14 and 15.5 eV were analyzed and different products were identified. Besides an aldehyde, which is the main product, olefins, conjugated olefins, as well as CO were identified. Closer investigation of the reactions of propionaldehyde, as a model aldehyde, demonstrates that CO appears in THF as a secondary product (i.e., from the intermediate aldehyde). On the basis of the cross sections for the formation of an aldehyde from THF, of CO from propionaldehyde, and for the loss of propionaldehyde under electron impact, the reaction sequences were evaluated with the help of a kinetic model. This analysis suggests that some CO could also be formed directly from THF (i.e., without involvement of an intermediate aldehyde).