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Using a methodology recently developed for studying the product distributions of gas-phase S(N)2 and E2 reactions, the effect of the leaving group on the reaction rate and branching ratio was investigated. Using a dianion as the nucleophile, reactions with a series of alkyl bromides, iodides, and trifluoroacetates were examined. The alkyl groups in the study are ethyl, n-propyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, isopropyl, sec-butyl, and tert-butyl. The data indicate that leaving group abilities are directly related to the exothermicities of the reaction processes in both the gas phase and the condensed phase. Gas-phase data give a reactivity order of iodide > trifluoroacetate > bromide for S(N)2 and E2 reactions. Previous condensed phase data indicate a reactivity order of iodide > bromide > trifluoroacetate for substitution reactions; however, the basicities of bromide and trifluoroacetate are reversed in the condensed phase so this reactivity pattern does reflect the relative reaction exothermicities. Aside from this variation, the gas-phase data parallel condensed phase data indicating that the substituent effects are rooted in the nature of the alkyl substrate rather than in differences in solvation. The experimental data are supported by calculations at the MP2/6-311+G(d,p)//MP2/6-31+(d) level.

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