Dehydration of carboxylic acids on the MgO(100) surface

Abstract

The interaction of formic and acetic acids with the MgO(100) surface has been studied under UHV conditions using XPS and TPD. Both acids dissociated heterolytically on the MgO surface, forming surface formate and acetate species respectively. The carboxylates decomposed at 520 K into dehydration products H2O + CO from HCOO, and H2O+CH2CO from CH3COOH. © 1991 J.C. Baltzer A.G. Scientific Publishing Company.