PYROLYSIS OF ETHYLAMINE - THE MICROWAVE SPECTRUM OF C-METHYL METHYLENIMINE

Abstract

Gas phase products of the pyrolysis of ethylamine have been investigated at various stages of the cracking process. A variety of known compounds including $NH_{3}$, $HCN$, $CH_{3}CN$, and $CH_{2}NH$ were readily identified in this system from their microwave spectra. Vinylamine has also been identified in this system and was reported in detail $earlier.^{1}$ In this paper we report the detection of microwave spectra from C-methyl methylenimine in both the cis- and trans-configurations. The assignment of the cis configuration has been completed and the barrier to internal rotation estimated from the observed A to E splittings. Partial assignment of the trans configuration has also been achieved and further work is in progress. A detailed comparison of the structures of these new compounds with other molecules containing the C = N- group will be presented.