Abstract
Previously measured rates of hydrogenolysis of propylene, toluene, and xylene fit −d[RCH3]/dt=10(11.5±1)−(55±3)/θ[RCH3][H2]1/2moleliter−1·sec−1 (where θ is 2.3RT kcal mole−1) over an unusually wide range of conditions. In the case of toluene, for example, the range is 107 in rate, 105 in hydrogen pressure, and 500°C in temperature. We propose the mechanism H2⇄2H, H+RCH3RH+CH3, CH3+H2CH4+H, giving −d[RCH3]/dt=K11/2k2[RCH3][H2]1/2 . Substitution of values for K1 and k2 gives rate constants and Arrhenius parameters in excellent agreement with all reliable data.

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