An investigation of olefine-halogen hydride reactions in the liquid state.

One of the greatest advances in chemistry in recent years has been the demonstration of the existence of free atoms and radicles as intermediaries in chemical reactions. More and more, reactions which previously were thought to take place through activated molecules directly have been shown on further analysis to depend on preliminary splitting of these molecules into atoms or radicles. Thus there is a peculiar interest in the study of reactions in which a "molecular" mechanism seems of necessity to be involved. Such a reaction is that forming the basis of this present investigation, namely, the reaction between propylene and hydrogen chloride in the liquid state. A further flavor of interest has been added in the facts that the phases studied have been concerned with both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, and more, that this catalysis has been due to water. Finally, this reaction has played an important part in the development of the theory of discontinuity of state at the critical temperature, and any bearing the results obtained might have on statements previously made in this respect has been a rather important part of the work. [...