A spectroscopic investigation of hydrocarbon flames

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Abstract
Spectra of flames of the three principal hydrocarbons—methane, ethylene and acetylene—and of compounds found as intermediate products in the chemical studies of their combustion, namely, methyl alcohol, formaldehyde, formic acid, and acetaldehyde, have been examined. Owing to the universal interest of the Bunsen flame and the Méker burner, their spectra are also included. Spectra of other flames, useful for comparative purposes, such as ether, ethyl alcohol, etc., are also described. Using a flame separator, independent observations of the outer and inner cones were made in m any cases. It has been found that the outer cones give a spectrum identical with the CO flame spectrum, and the inner cones give in general C 2 , CH, HO and the ethylene flame bands. It is suggested that C 2 may be produced through collisions of CH. The problem of the emitter of the ethylene flame bands is also discussed. The prevalent theories of hydrocarbon combustion are then surveyed in the light of the spectroscopic observations.

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