Thermal properties of zinc(II) chloroacetate and its complexes with nicotinamide and caffeine

Thermal decompositions of zinc(II) chloroacetate and its complexes with nicotinamide and caffeine were studied by means of TG/DTG, DTA, IR and mass spectroscopy. Thermal analysis showed that presence of the halogen significantly influenced the thermal decomposition. Decompositions may be characterized as two step reactions (release of nicotinamide or caffeine followed by pyrolysis of the carboxylate anion). Zinc chloride, CO, CO₂, CH₂O, ClCH₂CHO were found in gaseous products of the thermal decomposition.