Observation of Free Radical Kinetics in the Cyclohexane-Oxygen System

Abstract

Pulsed 6‐Mev electrons from a Lineac have been used to initiate free radical reactions in the cyclohexane‐oxygen system. The primary radical formed, cyclohexyl, is identified through EPR analysis of the irradiated solid sample at —100°C. In the liquid phase the cyclohexyl‐peroxy radical is formed; its decay is observed spectroscopically over a period of 10 msec, and the second‐order rate constants calculated. The principal reaction involving the disproportionation of two cyclohexyl‐peroxy radicals requires zero (—4 that for the diffusion‐controlled process.