Schmidlin ketene synthesis

SCHMIDLIN KETENE SYNTHESIS. Formation of kelene by thermal decomposition of acetone over electrically heated wire at 500-750 degrees by a reaction involving radical formation with generation of methane and carbon monoxide. 

It is assumed that acetone at such high temperatures decomposes into methyl and acetyl radicals, and the latter further degrades into methyl radical and carbon monoxide. Then methyl radical abstracts one hydrogen atom from acetone to give methane and an acetyl-methyl radical that decomposes into ketene and another methyl radical. Displayed here is the reaction mechanism for the Schmidlin ketene synthesis. 

Other references related to the Schmidlin ketene synthesis are cited in the literature. ... 

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