| Abstract: | The addition of water vapor has a strong positive effect on the rate of ethane oxidation at 575°C. This effect is attributed to the role of H2O as a third body in the decomposition of H2O2 to OH radicals. Carbon tetrafluoride likewise enhances the rate of ethane conversion, although not to the extent realized with H2O. A kinetic model, based on known elementary reactions, adequately accounts for the conversions and selectivities observed as a function of H2O pressure, temperature, contact time, and O2 pressure. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. |
