Dissociation of Phenylacetylene and Its Derivatives by Electron Impact

Phenylacetylene and its chemically active isomer pentalene play an important role in the formation and destruction of polyaromatic hydrocarbons—the main components of the soot microparticles formed during the combustion of fossil fuel, which are the most dangerous anthropogenic aerosol air pollutants for human health. The probable mechanisms of the decay of phenylacetylene and its isomers upon ionization by electron impact are considered. It is shown that the loss of electrons during ionization changes the aromatic/antiaromatic properties of phenylacetylene and its isomers to the opposite properties.