Matrix isolation investigation of the ozonolysis of propene

The matrix isolation technique, combined with infrared spectroscopy and merged jet deposition of ozone with propene led to the observation of “later”, more stable products of this ozonolysis reaction. The observed products, specifically formaldehyde and acetaldehyde, are precisely the products predicted by the Criegee mechanism, formed by the two fragmentation pathways from the initial primary ozonide. Hence, the merged jet results strongly support the Criegee mechanism. In contrast, twin jet codeposition experiments followed by annealing led to no visible changes in the spectra. Subsequent irradiation of these twin jet matrices involving ozone with light of λ ⩾ 220 nm led to O atom production and subsequent reaction with propene. Multiple products were observed in these photochemical experiments. Extensive 18O isotopic labeling experiments, comparisons with literature spectra, and detailed theoretical calculations at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,2p) level provided important supporting data.