Thermal decomposition of cyclopentane and related compounds

Cyclopentane has been decomposed in comparative‐rate single‐pulse shock‐tube experiments. The pyrolytic mechanism involves isomerization to 1‐pentene and also a minor pathway leading to cyclopropane and ethylene. This is followed by the decomposition of 1‐pentene and cyclopropane. The rate expressions over the temperature range of 1000°–1200° K are Details of the cyclopentane decomposition processes are considered, and it appears that if the trimethylene radical is an intermediate, then ΔHf(trimethylene) ≤ 280 kJ/mol at 300°K.