Gas-phase high-pressure decomposition of isobutane in the presence of hydrogen

Abstract

The homogeneous thermal reaction of isobutane, in the presence of hydrogen, has been studied between 550 and 580°C and at pressures ranging from 20–70 atm. Reactions were performed in a silica-lined flow reactor at residence times of the order of 2 sec. The reaction was investigated as a function of mixture composition, pressure, temperature and residence time; it was studied at low conversions by analysis using gas chromatography. A detailed account of the reaction is given and some individual rate steps are calculated. The role of pressure in reaction is discussed.