Kinetic Determination of the Gas-Phase Decarbonylation of Butyraldehyde in the Presence of HCl Catalyst

The gas-phase kinetics and mechanism of the homogeneous elimination of CO from butyraldehyde in the presence of HCl has been experimentally studied. The reaction is homogeneous and follows the second-order kinetics with the following rate expression: log k₁ (s⁻¹ L mol⁻¹) = (13.27 ± 0.36) – (173.2 ± 4.4) kJ mol⁻¹(2.303RT)⁻¹. Experimental data suggested a concerted four-membered cyclic transition state type of mechanism. The first and rate-determining step occurs through a four-membered cyclic transition state to produce propane and formyl chloride. The formyl chloride intermediate rapidly decomposes to CO and HCl gases.