Open-Chain Ethers in the Gas Phase

The photolysis of dimethyl and diethyl ethers in the gas phase was first studied by Harrison and Lake (172) using a hydrogen discharge lamp. They reported the formation of formaldehyde from dimethyl ether, and ethylene, acetaldehyde, and formaldehyde from diethyl ether. 

Studies on dimethyl ether (A 147 nm) were resumed by Meagher and Timmons (180). Products with quantum yields as reported by these authors are given in Table 12. Small amounts of 

The formation of H2 was strongly suppressed by the addition of C2D4 and further reduced on addition of an inert gas, C2F6, to an ether/C2D4 mixture. 

In the interpretation of their results Meagher and Timmons (180) propose reactions 35 to 37. The primary process is thought to be the scission of a C-H bond followed by the thermal 

TABLE 12. Quantum yields in the gas phase photolysis (x 147 nm) of dimethyl ether (180). 

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