On the mechanism of inhibition-initiation during pyrolysis of hydrocarbon mixtures

• Published in: Journal of analytical and applied pyrolysis 1990-06, Vol.17 (3), p.201-215
• Main Authors: Shevel'kova, L.V., Vedeneeva, L.M., Gusel'nikov, L.E., Bach, G., Zychlinski, W., Zimmermann, G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemistry; Exact sciences and technology; Hydrocarbons; kinetics; Kinetics and mechanisms; mixtures; Organic chemistry; pyrolysis; Reactivity and mechanisms
• ISSN: 0165-2370; 1873-250X
• DOI: 10.1016/0165-2370(90)85010-K

Pyrolysis of binary mixtures of ethane and neopentane, 1,3-pentadiene and propene, 1,3-pentadiene and propane, and n-hexane and cyclohexane of varying fractional composition was studied in the temperature range 650–940°C. On the basis of the results obtained in this work, as well as of previously reported data, the phenomenon of the interdependence of hydrocarbons under co-pyrolysis conditions is discussed. The mutual influence of hydrocarbons in simultaneous pyrolysis — inhibition and initiation of decomposition — is caused by competition of chain propagation reactions of the parent hydrocarbons in the starting mixture. The transformation of a hydrocarbon acting as an inhibitor is accelerated by the decomposition of its mixture partner. The mode of action primarily depends on the behaviour of the particular partner in the mixture and the change of concentration of radicals responsible for the chain propagation, preferably represented by hydrogen atoms and methyl radicals.