The laser heating of spiro [2. nlalkanes (n= 2-5) and of their 1, 1, 2, 2-tetradeuterated isotopomers reveals dissimilar modes of their thermal decomposition. Spiropentane decomposes into ethene and propadiene via two competing routes: the direct cleavage and the more important cleavage via intermediary methylenecyclobutane. Spirohexane decomposes through two important concurrent pathways which are the expulsions of ...