Kinetic studies on the pryolysis of pentenel

The thermal decomposition of pentene-1 in a static system has been investigated over a temperature range of 470 to 530°C. and a pressure range of 50 to 250 mm. The decomposition was a homogeneous first-order reaction with an average overall activation energy of 52 kcal./mole. The reaction rate was retarded by propylene and by inert gases, but was unaffected by nitric oxide. Free radicals from lead tetraethyl produced an acceleration. The activation energy exhibits a slight increase with increasing initial pressure of pentene. Evidence is presented for a composite reaction mechanism involving both a free-radical chain process and a direct intramolecular rearrangement. .Science, Faculty ofChemistry, Department ofGraduat