Branching intermediates in the cool flames of acetaldehyde and simple ketones

Abstract

Contrary to the postulate of Halstead et al. our work suggests that peracetic acid is not the degenerate branching intermediate in the oxidation of acetaldehyde at temperatures where cool flames occur. It appears that methyl hydroperoxide is an important intermediate in the oxidation both of acetaldehyde and three simple ketones. Because of the widespread occurrence of acetaldehyde and/or methyl radicals as oxidation intermediates, there is the anticipation that methyl hydroperoxide may be an important intermediate in the “low temperature” combustion of many fuels.