LOW TEMPERATURE GAS PHASE OXIDATION OF ACETALDEHYDE AND PROPIONALDEHYDE

An account is given of some observations of the low temperature oxidations of acetaldehyde and propionaldehyde in the gas phase with particular reference to the region in which the rates are oxygen dependent; these observations have formed the basis of a previous publication in which mechanistic features of the oxidations were examined by methods of numerical analysis. In addition, some unusual observations made during the oxidation of acetaldehyde in a potassium chloride coated vessel at temperatures between 120° and 140°C are reported. With this surface the rate is enhanced relative to that in a Pyrex vessel, and under certain conditions pressure pulses closely resembling those due to cool flames are observed even at temperatures as low as 120°C. © 1968.