| Abstract | The thermal decomposition of propylene in a static system has been investigated over a pressure range of 50-500 mm. and a temperature range 570-650°. Analyses of the products of the reaction were made at various stages, temperatures, and pressures. The observed pressure increase was shown to be a measure of the propylene decomposed for the first half of the reaction. The decomposition was a homogeneous first-order reaction with activation energy 57.1 kcals./g.-mol. The products of decomposition are mainly methane, ethylene, hydrogen, a condensable intermediate which subsequently decomposes, and carbon. A mechanism of decomposition has been suggested. Below 570° polymerisation occurs as well as decomposition. |
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