Chapter 19 Pyrolysis of Various Derivatives of Carboxylic Acids

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the pyrolysis of various derivatives of carboxylic acids. Typical reaction for the pyrolysis of esters that contain hydrogen at the β-carbon in the R2 group from the alcohol moiety forms an acid and an alkene. This reaction takes place by an Ei concerted mechanism, where the esters of alcohols that do not have a β-hydrogen in the alcohol moiety decompose differently under the influence of heat. In case of pyrolysis of methyl esters, the decomposition of methyl acetate takes place with the formation of H2, CH4, CO,H2O, and low levels of ethylene, acetic acid, acetaldehyde, formaldehyde, etc. The pyrolysis products of acetamide have the capability to react and the resulting compounds may undergo further pyrolytic decompositions. The amides of propionic acid, butyric acid, isobutyric acid, isovaleric acid, and caproic acid decompose around 400°C and generate nitriles. The decomposition of borates (orthoborates) of alcohols with β-hydrogens takes place with the formation of an alkene and boric acid. Pyrolysis of alcoxy ethyl borates generates mainly dioxane, acetals, and traces of vinyl ethers.