Thermal cracking of CH3Cl leads to auto-catalysis of deposited coke

Abstract

Thermal cracking of CH₃Cl was studied on SiO₂ particles at 0.4 MPa, from 375 to 550 °C. The cracking occurs at temperatures higher than 400 °C and leads to the formation of solid coke composed of chlorinated hydrocarbons. This coke is active as it catalyses the CH₃Cl cracking at temperatures lower than those required for the thermal cracking, leading to the formation of HCl, CH₄ and hydrocarbons. Cl present in this coke is responsible for its activation.