The influence of some organoboranes on the gaseous oxidation of isobutane

Abstract

The rapid and exothermic oxidation of small quantities of trimethylborane initiates the oxidation of isobutane under initial conditions of temperature and pressure where no oxidation normally takes place. Progressive replacement of the methyl groups by methoxy-groups markedly decreases the promoting influence of the additive, although all the organoboron compounds containing B–C bonds are themselves very readily oxidised. An important factor controlling the nature of the organic products derived from the isobutane is the heat evolved during the oxidation of the methylborane and hence the maximum temperature attained in the reacting gas mixture.