A pyrolysis study on C4–C8 symmetric ethers

Pyrolysis of diethyl (C4), di-n-propyl (C6), di-isopropyl (C6) and di-n-butyl (C8) ethers were studied in a jet-stirred reactor between 720 1140 K, at 10 atm with an initial ether mole fraction 0.1%. Major common pyrolysis products observed to be CO, CH4, H2, C2H4. All produced the n/2 alcohol olefin as molecular reaction small extent. Under conditions atm, hydrogen abstraction reactions by H atoms CH3 radicals found important. Acetylene benzene formed for all when T > 1000 K. A kinetic mechanism is used represent these results. This study shows that there need systematic studies determining site specific rate constants important fuel related ethers.