The nonoxidative gas-phase reaction of Halon 1301 (CBrF3) with propane in a nitrogen bath
was investigated using a tubular plug-flow reactor. Experiments were performed at atmospheric
pressure, over a range of temperatures from 500 to 700 °C, and at residence times between 0.7
and 4 s. The pyrolysis of propane was also investigated to examine the effect of added Halon
1301 on the pyrolysis reaction. Experimental data suggest that CF3 and possibly Br radicals
formed via the thermal cleavage of CBrF3 react with C3H8 and, at higher temperatures, with
the decomposition products of C3H8. In addition to HBr, the major products formed during the
reaction included CHF3, CH4, C2H4, C3H6, and H2. Minor product species including C2H2, C2H6,
C3H4, HF, C2H3F3, C2H2F2, C3H3F3, and C2H3F were detected. Coke formation was also observed
on the surface of the reactor.