Use of charge transfer spectrum to study autoxidation. Part 1.—Thermally-initiated autoxidations of cumene and p-cymene

Abstract

The thermally-initiated autoxidations of cumene and p-cymene have been studied by following the decay of the oxygen-hydrocarbon charge transfer spectrum. The relative rate constants and activation energies have been determined for the propagation and self-termination reactions and also for the reactions of the respective peroxy radicals with the retarder 2,6-di-t-butyl-4-methylphenol. The results are compared with existing data. The possible formation of oxygen-hydrocarbon charge transfer complexes is briefly considered.