Kinetic studies in the chemistry of rubber and related materials. I. The thermal oxidation of ethyl linoleate

Abstract The kinetics of the initial stages of the thermal oxidation of ethyl linoleate (by molecular oxygen) have been investigated in the temperature range 35—75° C. From consideration of chemical and kinetic evidence the reaction mechanism has been established: oxidation chains are initiated by thermal decomposition of ethyl linoleate hydroperoxide (which in the early stages of oxidation is substantially the sole product). The chain propagation reactions are identified as R— + O2 → RO2— and RO2— + RH → ROOH + R— (where RH represents ethyl linoleate). Chain termination occurs by mutual destruction of the radical chain carriers, R— and RO2— .