Solvent Effects in the Oxidation of Hydrocarbons. I. Chain Initiation by Azobisisobutyronitrile

Abstract

The effects of solvents on the rate of decomposition and the efficiency of radical production by AIBN were studied by measuring the rate of evolution of nitrogen from AIBN and the inhibition time in the oxidation of tetralin. The rates of decomposition of AIBN were larger in aromatic solvents than in aliphatic solvents. The efficiency of AIBN was found to depend more on the viscosity of the medium than on the polarity of the solvents. The requirements for the determination of the inhibition time are discussed.