Fourier Transform Infrared Analysis of the Ammoxidation of 4-Methylthiazole over a Metal Oxide Catalyst

Abstract

The gaseous products of the reaction of 4-methylthiazole (4-MT), air, 14NH3, and 15NH3 have been analyzed by on-line Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The products observed, including those due to partial and full oxidation, account for 95 to 98% of the starting 4-MT. Estimates of the activation energy (20 kcal/mol) and the excess heat due to combustion (350 kcal/mol/mol of 4-MT combusted) have been calculated. In addition, we have observed an unexpected reaction that is formally bimolecular in 4-MT.