LAUSR

Hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) have been frequently detected in environment. The isomerization between HBCDs and thermodynamic properties of unimolecular and bimolecular decomposition reactions of (−)-α-HBCD and (−)-γ-HBCD have been investigated using the quantum chemical method. The results show that isomerization via 1,2-shift of Br atoms occurs between the (−)-α/(−)-γ, (+)-α/(+)-γ, and (+)-β/(−)-β counterparts of HBCDs. Self-decomposition of HBCDs to pentabromocyclododecenes and HBr progresses slowly at low temperature but becomes competitive with the isomerization reactions at high temperature. The generated products are also toxic pollutants to the aquatic organisms. The reaction of two commonly detected HBCDs, (−)-γ-HBCD and (−)-α-HBCD, with OH radical and H atom have been studied. (−)-γ-HBCD has bigger rate constants in the reaction with OH radical and H atom than (−)-α-HBCD all over studied temperature. After a series of unimolecular or bimolecular reactions, the formed pentabrominated intermediate can decompose into ethane, vinyl bromide, and 1,2-dibromoethylene after sufficient heat adsorption.