Shock-initiated exothermic reactions. V. The oxidation of ethylene

Abstract

Mixtures of C₂H₄ with 0₂ or N₃O and argon have been ignited with reflected shocks. The temperature dependence of the induction period to explosion suggests that the rate-controlling reaction for the C₂H₄-0₂ system is CH₂O + O₂ + CHO +HO₂. Results for the C₂H₄-N₂O system do not identify one particular reaction as being rate-controlling. A combination of reactions is probably involved. Possibilities include the pyrolysis of ethylene and of ethylene oxide and the reaction CH₂+N₂O → CH+OH+N₂.