KINETICS AND MECHANISM OF THERMAL GAS-PHASE CHLORINATION OF NORMAL-HEXANE DURING THE INITIAL PERIOD

The kinetics of the gas-phase thermal chlorination of n-hexane at 200-250-degrees-C has been studied. The reaction is first-order in chlorine and zero order in n-hexane. The Arrhenius parameters of the rate constant have been calculated. The effects of oxygen, surface, and "third particles" on the rate were studied. Reactor glass retards the process. In the presence of oxygen this retardation is decreased; this is evidence of bulk inhibition and chain breaking at the reactor glass. On the basis of our data and previously published data we propose a mechanism for the thermal chlorination of n-hexane during the initial period.