Thermal decomposition of 3-ethyl-3-methyloxetan and 3,3-diethyloxetan

Abstract

The thermal decompositions of 3-ethyl-3-methyloxetan and 3,3-diethyloxetan have been followed in the gas phase. Both decompositions are homogeneous, kinetically first order and probably unimolecular. In the temperature range 407 to 448°C the 3-ethyl-3-methyl compound yields 2-methylbut-1-ene and formaldehyde and the rate constants fit the Arrhenius equation log k₁/s^–1= 15.357 ± 0.151–(251 230 ± 2020) J mol^–1/RTln10. Similarly it was found that 3,3-diethyloxetan gave 2-ethylbut-1-ene and formaldehyde and in the temperature range 402 to 463°C the rate constants fitted the Arrhenius equation log k₂/s^–1= 15.297 ± 0.063–(249 850 ± 840) J mol^–1/RTln10. The decompositions probably proceed by a biradical mechanism.