The Mercury (3P1) Sensitized Decomposition of Normal and Isohyphen;Butane at High Temperatures

摘要

The mercury (3P1) sensitized decomposition of normal and iso‐butane at high temperatures is described. The reactions of both hydrocarbons result in the formation of decomposition products of butyl radicals at temperatures above 250°C. In the case of normal butane this reaction gives methane, ethane, ethylene, and propylene; and with iso‐butane, only methane and butane. Activation energies are assigned to the various radical decomposition steps.