Ionizing Potentials of Methane, Ethane, Ethylene, and Acetylene

Abstract

After preparation and purification by the most approved methods, the gases methane, ethane, ethylene and acetylene were introduced into an ionization tube of the Mackay type and their ionization potentials measured. The calibration of the apparatus was made with the aid of Hg vapor and He gas as standards. The values found are: methane 14.4 volts, ethane 12.8 volts, ethylene 12.2 volts, acetylene 12.3 volts, and are believed to be correct within 0.2 volt.