El-Ahmadi I. Heiba

Alumina-catalyzed cleavage of ethers and thermal decomposition of aluminum alkoxides

Abstract A relation between the pyrolysis of aluminum alkoxides and the aluminacatalyzed decomposition of alcohols or ethers is shown by a comparison of products obtained from the reactions. Results of comparative studies with alcohols, ethers, and alkoxides that do not contain beta hydrogen atoms provide evidence for alcohol and ether decomposing over alumina via intermediate surface alkoxides. Kinetic results indicate that the decomposition of the intermediate alkoxide proceeds via a cyclic transition state.