Thermal decomposition of alcohols. I. 2-Methylbutan-2-ol (t-Pentyl alcohol)

Abstract

The thermal decomposition of 2-methylbutan-2-ol has been investigated from 432 to 570ºC, over initial pressures ranging from 26 to 288 mmHg, and in the presence of toluene from 519 to 570ºC. The decomposition is first order and homogeneous, involving the unimolecular elimination of water from the alcohol. 2-Methylbut-1-ene and 2-methylbut-2-ene decompose through a consecutive reaction under these conditions. The Arrhenius equation giving the variation of the first-order rate constants with temperature was found to be (R = 8.31 J mol^-1 K^-1) k = 10^11.8 exp(- 23OOOO/RT) s^-l