Note on the Pyrolysis of Methyl and Ethyl Cyanides

The products of pyrolysis of methyl and ethyl cyanides at 865° and 675 °C. respectively have been determined at each of two flow rates. From methyl cyanide were obtained hydrogen, methane, hydrogen cyanide, and carbon. Small amounts of "C2" hydrocarbons and high boiling materials were also formed. The results indicate that hydrogen cyanide is a primary product.Ethyl cyanide yielded hydrogen, methane, ethane, ethylene, hydrogen cyanide, methyl cyanide, acrylonitrile, and carbon, together with small amounts of succinonitrile and higher boiling materials. The reaction is obviously complicated by secondary changes.