Resonance energy in methyl acetate and its valence-isoelectronic analogs containing sulfur and selenium [abstract]

Abstract

A convenient definition of resonance energy is the deviation from thermoneutrality of the reaction: CH3C(X)CH3 + CH3YCH3 + CH3C(X)YCH3 + C2H6, where X and Y are O, S, and Se. The results of G2 and G3 calculations will be discussed and compared with the almost non-existent experimental literature. This study is of relevance to acetylcholine and its heavier chalcogen derivatives: CH3C(X)YCH3 + CH3C(O)O(CH2)2N(CH3)3+ CH3C(X)Y(CH2)2N(CH3)3+ + CH3C(O)OCH3.