RADICAL-SENSITIZED THERMAL-DECOMPOSITION OF 1,3-DIOXOLANE IN THE GAS-PHASE

Methyl radical sensitized thermal decomposition of 1,3-dioxolane in the gas phase has been studied between 373 and 575 K, using radicals produced by the photolysis of acetone. Some experiments were carried out with acetone-d6 as the radical source. A detailed mechanism of the thermal decomposition of the radicals derived from 1,3-dioxolane is given and discussed in terms of the experimental results and thermochemical considerations. Results of previous studies on the subject are also discussed. Some of the elementary reactions proposed in the past are confirmed; others are rejected and new ones are proposed to explain the results obtained.