THE ACTION OF HIGH-SPEED CATHODE RAYS ON THE SIMPLER ALCOHOLS, ALDEHYDES AND KETONES, AND ON ETHYLENE

Abstract

The results are set forth of an experimental examination of the action of high-speed electrons on the vapors of acetaldehyde, acetone, methyl alcohol and ethyl alcohol, on gaseous formaldehyde and on ethylene. It has been shown that cathode rays form polymerization compounds with formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acetone and that these surfer decomposition into the simpler gases. The ultimate decomposition of acetaldehyde has been studied in some detail and has been shown to proceed through the polymer. Exposure to the rays results in the decomposition of methyl and ethyl alcohols with the formation of aldehydes, hydrocarbons, oxides of carbon and hydrogen. The conclusion has been drawn that dehydrogenation is the principle primary reaction in the decomposition of the alcohols, further decomposition proceeding through the aldehydes. Ethylene under the action of the rays yields an unsaturated liquid hydrocarbon which upon further bombardment gives hydrogen, acetylene and saturated hydrocarbons.