Some physical and chemical properties of pyrolytic carbons and their relevance to kinetic studies in the gas phase

Abstract

The odd-electron concentration, electrical conductivity, and chemical activity of some pyrolytic carbons have been examined. Reactions studied were the cis→trans and cis→ but-1-ene isomerisations of but-2-ene, and the thermal decompositions of acetaldehyde and hydrogen iodide, all of which are catalysed by pyrolytic carbons. It is shown that catalysed reaction takes place at or near the surface of the carbons. In each case the surface reaction was first-order. Also studied were the effects of oxygen, olefins, and halogen-containing substances on the chemical activity and odd-electron concentration of the carbons. The significance of the results to the study of gas-phase reaction kinetics is discussed.