Editorial

Abstract

The methyl nitrite decomposition flame has been studied at atmospheric pressure. The course of reaction has been followed through a flat flame by measuring the changes in gas composition and temperature. The burning velocity of the decomposition flame relative to the vapour at 200°C was 7·3 cm/s and the maximum temperature attained wass about 1 100°C. The nitrite first decomposes thermoneutrally to nitric oxide, methanol and formaldehyde and subsequent exothermic reaction takes place in these products. Reaction does not go to completion, however, the reduction of nitric oxide, ceasing when the decomposition of methanol and formaldehyde is complete (about 40 per cent of the nitric oxide remains unchanged in the final products at atmospheric pressure) yet, whilst addition of nitric oxide to the nitrite entering the burner has a pronounced effect, extra formaldehyde and methanol have little influence. Water is the only major oxidation product. Auxiliary experiments on the propagation of flame in static mixtures contained in a heated tube have been made. A mixture of nitric oxide, methanol and formaldehyde such as is found in the nitrite flame will not ignite without a sensitizer under conditions in which the nitrite will do so readily. The reactions effecting the reduction of nitric oxide are discussed and it is suggested that hydrogen atoms from the decomposition of formaldehyde are responsible.