The thermal decomposition of acetyl chloride

Abstract

At 242.4-350 3° the equilibrium

CH₃COCl 𘄤 CH₂CO + HCI

is established with (K_p in atm)

8.314 ln K_p = -100300/T+ 132.9

Rate constants for the reactions are given by the Arrhenius equations:

k₁ (s^-1) = 10^12.42 exp(-168900/8.314T) (measured)

k₂ (s^-1 ml mol^-1) = 10^10.27 exp(- 69900/8.314T) (calculated)

The van't Hoff equation leads to ΔH°_f,298,g = -61.0 kJ mol^-1 for ketene.

At 299-491° the decarbonylation

CH₃COCl → CH₃Cl + CO

also takes place and it is compared with other similar reactions.