Propionic aldehyde, decomposition

The constant for the decomposition of gaseous propionic aldehyde falls away steadily below about 80 mm., that for the decomposition of diethyl ether below about 150 mm., that for the decomposition of diethyl ether below about 300 mm. Several other ethers, dipropyl ether, methyl propyl ether and methyl ethyl ether behave in a similar manner. The velocity constant for the decomposition of azomethane also diminishes but not until lower pressures are reached for example at 290° C. k at 0-259 mm. has one-fourth of its value at 707-9 mm. In several reactions, such as the racemization of pinene, and the decomposition of gaseous acetone the falling off of the velocity constant has not actually been looked for. The decomposition of azoisopropane is unimolecular down to pressures of 0-25 mm. 

As a matter of fact, Hinshelwood has noted a change from unimolecular to bi-molecular at 80 mm. pressure in the decomposition of propionic aldehyde. Proc. Royal Soc., 113A, 221, 1926.)... 

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