The modes of decomposition of n -pentane III. Fate of ethane at low pressures

Abstract

In the nitric-oxide-inhibited decompositions of n -butane and n -pentane respectively, the reactions C 4 H 10 →C 2 H 6 +C 2 H 4 C 5 H 12 →C 2 H 6 +C 3 H 6 give place as the initial pressure drops to the reactions C 4 H 10 →(C 2 H 4 +H 2 )+C 2 H 4 C 5 H 12 →(C 2 H 4 +H 2 )+C 3 H 6 and It is now shown that ethane added to the pentane system does not suffer any induced decomposition. Thus a change with pressure in the predominant mode of activation of the normal paraffin molecules is indicated.