THE KINETICS OF THE OXIDATION OF GASEOUS ACETALDEHYDE

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The kinetics of the oxidation of gaseous acetaldehyde have been investigated from 60° to 120 °C. by observing the rate of pressure decrease in a system at constant volume. A considerable induction period exists, during which the main products of the reaction are carbon dioxide, water, and formic acid. The main reaction in the subsequent stages involves the formation of peroxides and their oxidation products. The heat of activation of the reaction is 8700 calories per gram molecule. The indications are that the reactions occurring during the induction period are heterogeneous. The subsequent reaction occurs by a chain mechanism. The chains are initiated at the walls of the reaction vessel, and are also largely broken at the walls.