The Homogeneous Unimolecular Decomposition of Gaseous Alkyl Nitrites. II. The Decomposition of Ethyl Nitrite

The thermal decomposition of gaseous ethyl nitrite is a homogeneous first order reaction. It proceeds at a conveniently measurable rate between 190 and 240°C. The overall reaction is mainly $${\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_5{\mathrm{NO}}_2=\mathrm{NO}+\frac{1}{2}{\mathrm{CH}}_3\mathrm{CHO}+\frac{1}{2}{\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_5\mathrm{OH}.$$ The rate of reaction is given by $${\text{k=1.39×10}}^{14}{e}^{\text{−37,700/RT}}\sec {.}^{\text{−1}}$$ There is no falling off in rate down to 5 cm pressure. On account of their similarity and simplicity the comparison of the decompositions of methyl and ethyl nitrite is of considerable interest. Further work is in progress on the propyl and butyl nitrites.