Ab initio study of the F + CH3NHNH2 reaction mechanism

The F + CH(3)NHNH(2) reaction mechanism is studied based on ab initio quantum chemistry methods as follows: the minimum energy paths (MEPs) are computed at the UMP2/6-311++G(d,p) level; the geometries, harmonic vibrational frequencies, and energies of all stationary points are predicted at the same level of theory; further, the energies of stationary points and the points along the MEPs are refined by UCCSD(T)/6-311++g(3df,2p). The ab initio study shows that, when the F atom approaches CH(3)NHNH(2), the heavy atoms, namely N and C atoms, are the favorable combining points. For the two N atoms, two prereaction complexes with C(s) symmetry are generated and there exists seven possible subsequent reaction routes, of which routes 1, 2, 5, and 7 are the main channels. Routes 1, 2, and 5 are associated with HF elimination, with H from the amino group or imido group, and route 7 involves the N-N bond break. Routes 3 and 6 with relation to HF elimination with H from methyl, and route 4 involved the C-N bond break, are all energetically disfavored. For the C atom, the attack of F results in the break of the C-N bond and the products are CH(3)F + NHNH(2). This route is very competitive.