The thermal decomposition of t-butyl ethyl ether

Abstract

The rates of decomposition of t-butyl ethyl ether have been measured in the range 433-484º. The reaction products are ethanol and isobutene, and the kinetic form is first order. The Arrhenius equation k₁ = 10^17.18exp(-59740/RT)sec^-1 is followed. The reaction behaviour is consistent with a unimolecular mechanism for the decomposition.