The gaseous oxidation of 2-methyl-but-2-ene. I. Kinetic and analytical studies

Abstract

In the slow combustion of 2-methyl-but-2-ene at ca. 250 $^\circ$C, an initial pressure decrease, which represents the formation of peroxidic intermediates, is followed by an autocatalytic pressure increase during which little olefin is consumed and the main processes are breakdown and further oxidation of primary reaction products. Acetone and acetaldehyde are the principal early non-peroxidic products and these are formed initially in equivalent quantities and in closely parallel fashion. Methyl isopropyl ketone is produced in somewhat smaller amounts and methyl alcohol, which appears comparatively late in the reaction, probably arises from the oxidation of acetaldehyde. The results suggest that the predominant mode of initial attack of the olefin is addition of oxygen to the double bond followed by decomposition of the resulting cyclic peroxides, although some hydroperoxylation also occurs.