The mechanism of the combustion of hydrocarbons

Abstract

Recent theories of hydrocarbon oxidation have been critically compared. The evidence favors monovalent radical chains. The assumption of intermediate formation of peroxides and of sensitization of peroxide dissociation by condensation with aldehyde proves to be fruitful in explaining varied phenomena, such as the low-temperature reactivity of higher hydrocarbons and the high-pressure oxidation of methane and ethane. The implications of the chain theory in interpreting the experimental results have been discussed. The necessity of revising Norrish and Foord's steady-state treatment has been pointed out. The question of thermal versus branchedchain explosions in methane remains open, with some experimental evidence favoring the latter.