Laboratory studies were carried out to determine whether nlethyl and ethyl acetates could be pyrolyzed to give yields and conversions to ketene comparable to those obtainable from acetic acid. Acetic acid was pyrolyzed to ketene and water in the presence of 0.33% triethyl phosphate or phosphoric acid catalyst a t 680"-760°C. and 140-160 mm. H g absolute. Maxirnum yield obtained was 80.6y0 and maximum conversion 34.5%. Methyl acetate was cracked to ketene and methanol a t 610°-6850C. and 95-400 mm. absolute, using triethyl phosphate, phosphoric acid, sulphuric acid, dimethyl sulphate, butyl borate, and silica gelboric acid a s catalysts. High yields could be obtained only with phosphates in 2.3% concentration. Maximum yield to ketene, including keterle recovered as acetic acid, was 76% (conversion 31-34Yo). lklaximunl yield to nlethanol was 81.3% (conversion 33-34%). Methyl acetate containing 18% methanol was also cracked but results were poorer. Ethyl acetate, in the presence of 0.33% triethyl phosphate, was pyrolyzed to ketene, ethylene, and water a t 630"-685°C. and 140-190 mm. absolute. Maximum yield of ketene, includi~ig: ketene recovered as acetic acid, was 85.8y0. Maxinlum conversion to ketene was 35.4% and to ketene plus acetic acid 85.7%. Yields to ethylene were nearly quantitative.