PYROLYSIS OF ETHYL ESTERS IN A MICRO-REACTOR

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/104406

Title: PYROLYSIS OF ETHYL ESTERS IN A MICRO-REACTOR
Author(s): Ellison, Barney
Contributor(s): Labbe, Nicole ; Daily, John W; Porterfield, Jessie P; Rogers, Cory
Issue Date: 2019-06-18
Keyword(s): Dynamics and kinetics
Abstract: The nascent steps in the pyrolysis of ethyl esters have been studied in a set of heated micro-reactors. We have examined the thermal decomposition of ethyl propionate, \ce{CH3CH2COOCH2CH3}, a model for biofuels. The micro-reactors are small (roughly 1\,mm ID x 3\,cm long) silicon carbide tubes; transit times through the reactors are about 100\,$\mu$sec. Temperatures in the micro-reactors can be as high as 1700\,K and pressures are typically 100\,Torr. The products of pyrolysis are identified by a combination of 118.2\,nm photoionization mass spectrometry and matrix isolation infrared absorption spectroscopy. We find there are two major pathways for ethyl propionate decomposition. These are: \ce{CH3CH2COOCH2CH3 -> CH3CH2COOH + CH2=CH2} and \ce{CH3CH2COOCH2CH3 -> CH3CH=C=O + CH3CH2OH}. The nascent pyrolysis products undergo further, extensive fragmentation in the reactor.
Publisher: International Symposium on Molecular Spectroscopy
Type of Resource: text
Language: English
Permalink: http://hdl.handle.net/2142/104406
DOI: 10.15278/isms.2019.TF07