The Flame Decomposition of Ethyl Nitrate

The decomposition flame of ethyl nitrate has been stabilized at atmospheric pressure to give a flat stationary reaction zone above the liquid surface. The reaction zones behind the flame front have been maintained free from turbulent intermixing, and gas samples have been extracted from them with fine silica probes. The samples have been subjected to extensive analysis using mainly infra-red absorption spectrometry supplemented by chemical methods. The distribution of products through the flame ($\sim $10 mm thick) has been measured quantitatively as completely as possible. Seventeen ingredients were detected. The infra-red and ultraviolet absorption and emission spectra of the flame have been recorded. A comparison of the measured temperature distribution through the flame with that calculated from the products of successive zones gives general support to the analyses. A sequence of reactions which would account for the observations has been suggested. Ethyl nitrate is destroyed mainly by reaction with NO$\_{2}$ and HONO, the latter being postulated as chain carriers. A simple mode of decomposition of the radical (C$\_{2}$H$\_{4}$ONO$\_{2}$) resulting from these reactions could give rise to the observed primary reaction products.