KINETICS AND MECHANISM OF THE THERMAL-DECOMPOSITION REACTION OF ACETONE CYCLIC DIPEROXIDE IN THE GAS-PHASE

The kinetics of the thermal decomposition reaction of gaseous 3,3,6,6-tetramethyl-1,2,4,5-tetroxane (ACDP) in the presence of n-octane was studied in the 403.2-523.2 K temperature range. This reaction yields acetone as the organic product. Under optimum conditions, first-order kinetics were observed, included when the S/V ratio of the Pyrex reaction vessel was increased by a nearly six-fold factor. In the range 443.2-488.2 K the temperature dependence of the rate constants for the unimolecular reaction in conditioned vessels is given by In k1/(s-1) = (31.8 +/- 2.5) - [(39.0 +/- 2.5)/RT]. The value of the energy of activation in kcal/mol correspond to one O-O bond homolysis of the ACDP molecule in a stepwise biradical initiated decomposition mechanism. At the lower reaction temperatures as well in preliminary experiments participation of a surface catalyzed ACDP decomposition process could be detected. (C) 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.