Reactions of nitroalkanes in the gas phase. Part 1.—Pyrolysis of nitromethane

Abstract

The pyrolysis of nitromethane has been studied between 305 and 440°C. The reaction is pressure dependent. Above 150 mm, it is approximately first order, k= 10^14.1 exp (–55,200/RT) sec^–1. The principal products are methane, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, nitric oxide, hydrogen cyanide and water. The results are explained by considering the reactions of methyl: CH₃·+ CH₃NO₂→ CH₄+·CH₂NO₂, CH₃·+ NO₂→ CH₃NO₂, CH₃·+ NO₂→ CH₃O·+ NO, CH₃·+ NO → CH₃NO The product distribution depends on the relative concentrations of nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide in the system, and this is confirmed by studying the ratio of products formed on addition of excess formaldehyde and nitrogen dioxide.