The Reaction of Hydrogen Atoms with Some Oxygen-Containing Organic Compounds

The reactions of atomic hydrogen, produced by a discharge, with methyl ether, acetaldehyde, and ethylene oxide have been investigated. The main products of the reactions are: from methyl ether—CH4,CO,H2O,C2H6, and HCHO;from acetaldehyde—CH4,CO, and C2H6;from ethylene oxide—CH4,CO, and CH3CHO. The mechanisms of the reactions are discussed in detail and it is concluded that the primary reactions are: H+CH3OCH3→H2+CH3OCH2E=7.0 kcal.H+CH3CHO →H2+CH3COE≤6.0 kcal.H+(CH2)2O →H2+C2H3OE=8.5 kcal.,and that the main secondary reactions in all cases are of the atomic cracking type: H+CH3OCH2→CH3+CH3O,H+CH3CO →CH3+CHOor →CH4+CO,H+C2H3O →CH3CHOor →CH4+CO.