On the low-temperature oxidation of isobutane and propylene

The low-temperature oxidation of isobutane and propylene has been studied by interrupting the reaction by withdrawing the partly reacted mixture from the reaction vessel. After treatment designed to destroy peroxides the mixture was returned to the reaction vessel. The results show that the termination of the induction period is due to the accumulation of an active intermediate or intermediates in the gas phase. In both systems these intermediates are probably not alkyl hydroperoxides. Changes in the surface of the reaction vessel brought about by processes occurring in the early stage. of the reaction do not contribute to the termination of the induction period.