DYNAMICS OF THE THERMAL-DECOMPOSITION OF 2,3-DIAZABICYCLO[2.2.1]HEPT-2-ENE

The dynamics of the thermal decomposition of 2,3-diazabicyclo[2.2.l]hept-2-ene (DBH) have been investigated over the temperature range 900-1400 K. A tunable continuous wave CO laser was used to follow the vibrational energy content of the coupled CO-N2 system from the initial to the equilibrium conditions. It has been shown that the N2 iS born with very little vibrational energy. while the bicyclo[2.1.0]pentane is born with an excess over the equilibrium distribution. These results provide clear evidence against the concerted decomposition mechanism.