Kinetics of the Mercury-Photosensitized Decomposition of Propane. Part I. The Overall Mechanism

Abstract

The mercury-photosensitized decomposition of propane was investigated from 250 to 350 °C, and at pressures from 5 to 700 Torr. The following products were identified and their initial rates of formation measured: H2, CH4, C2H4, C2H6 (CH3)2CHCH(CH3)2, (CH3)2CHCH2CH2CH3, and n-C6H14. The results lead to conclusions about the mechanism. The pressure dependence of the rates were determined and interpreted in terms of a simplified steady-state treatment based on the mechanism.