Catalysis by hydrogen halides in the gas phase. XIV. Methyl trimethylacetate and hydrogen bromide and the effects of added alcohols

Abstract

Hydrogen bromide and hydrogen chloride catalyse the decomposition of methyl trimethylacetate into isobutene, carbon monoxide, and methanol at 370-442º and 450-48Oº, respectively. The kinetic form, which is basically 1 : 1, is severely modified by the effect of methanol either produced in the reaction or added initially. Water or alcohols react with an intermediate in the catalysed decomposition of trimethylacetic acid or its methyl ester in esterification-like reactions; some of the resultant esters subsequently decompose to olefin and acid.