Stationary flames of methyl nitrate and methyl nitrite

Abstract

Methyl nitrate (CH 3 ONO 2 ) is the most explosive of the nitrate esters, and previous studies have been confined mainly to the slow thermal decomposition, and to the vapour phase explosion at low pressures in closed vessels. A stationary decomposition flame has now been maintained and studied spectrographically. A t low pressures the zones of reaction are clearly separated. From the early stages of the flame strong formaldehyde bands are emitted. This decomposition flame has been successfully simulated in artificial mixtures of methyl nitrite with oxygen. The results obtained are in accord with the preliminary fission of the nitrate molecule in the pre-heat zone of the flame: CH 3 ONO 2 →CH 3 O + NO 2 . The combustion flame of m ethyl nitrate with oxygen, nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide has also been examined at low pressures. At atmospheric pressure, m ethyl nitrite (CH 3 ONO) has been found to support a decomposition flame of very small burning velocity. However, the combustion of m ethyl nitrite with oxygen at atmospheric pressure is an extremely fast and vigorous flame. It has been observed in both pre-mixed and diffusion systems and information about the changes occurring in it have been obtained by absorption and emission spectroscopy. All the experimental results may be interpreted in terms of two general principles: the reluctance of nitric oxide to react except at high temperatures and pressures and the frequent occurrence in flames of extensive pyrolytic reactions before the main reaction zone is reached.