The reaction of hydrogen atoms with toluene vapour

Abstract

The main product of the reaction between toluene and hydrogen atoms in comparable concentrations at 0.6 torr, 27º, and residence times of about 1 sec, is methylcyclohexane. In addition, a number of toluene molecules approximately equal to those converted to methylcyclohexane react to form gaseous hydrocarbons and a complex liquid product consisting of C₃ to C₇ (and possibly higher) acyclic alkanes and cycloalkanes. Benzene is not a major product. At 390º the main products are methane, ethane, and ethylene; the liquid product is almost entirely benzene and corresponds to about 10% of the original toluene. To explain the absence of methylcyclohexadienes and methylcyclohexenes from the products of incomplete reaction at 27º, it is suggested that these compounds are formed as intermediates in highly reactive triplet states.