The Kinetics of the Thermal Decomposition of Vinyl Isopropyl Ether

The thermal decomposition of vinyl isopropyl ether in the presence of toluene has been studied in a flow system in the temperature range 447–521 °C. In this range, the data indicate a purely intramolecular decomposition into propylene and acetaldehyde, the activation energy for the reaction being in close agreement with that found for the decomposition of vinyl ethyl ether. At 570 °C. a minor free radical decomposition of the ether becomes apparent. Some qualitative studies of the decomposition of vinyl isobutyl ether are also reported.