The thermal decomposition of 4-methyl-3,6-dihydro-2H-pyran

The thermal decomposition of the title compound has been studied in the gas phase in the temperature range of 584–634 K. The decomposition was found to be a first-order homogeneous process yielding 2-methylbuta-1,3-diene and formaldehyde. The rate constants obtained at 11 temperatures within the quoted range fitted the Arrhenius equation The decomposition is probably unimolecular and concerted.