The thermal decomposition of trimethylacetyl bromide

Abstract

Trimethylacetyl bromide decomposes at 298-364º into isobutene, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen bromide in a first-order manner with rate given by k₁ = 138 x 10¹⁴exp(-48920/RT) sec^-1 The rate is unaffected by addition of the products or of inhibitors, or by increase of the surface/volume ratio of the reaction vessel. The likely radical chain mechanism is considered and rejected. The reaction is believed to be a molecular one, and possible cyclic and polar transition states are discussed.