Catalysis by hydrogen halides in the gas phase. XV. Trimethylacetic acid, isopropanol, and hydrogen bromide

Abstract

Isopropanol decomposes to propene and water in the presence of trimethyl-acetic acid and hydrogen bromide at 407º via isopropyl trimethylacetate. This takes place by isopropanol reacting with an intermediate in the hydrogen bromide catalysed decomposition of trimethylacetic acid. The reaction is first order in each of the acids and first order in the alcohol at low alcohol pressures and zero order at high pressures.