Thermal decomposition of cadmium succinate dihydrate

Thermal decomposition of cadmium succinate dihydrate, CdC₄H₄O₄·2H₂O, was studied in dynamic helium and air atmospheres by means of simultaneous TG, DTA and MS analysis. It was found that dehydration of CdC₄H₄O₄·2H₂O takes place in the temperature range 80–165°C and at low heating rates formation of monohydrate was stated. The anhydrous cadmium succinate decomposes at about 350°C to metallic cadmium. The gaseous products of cadmium succinate decomposition are CO₂ and H₂O. Formation of small amounts of 3-phenylpropanal and 1,7-octadiene during decomposition in helium was revealed. In helium cadmium evaporates at the temperature of decomposition and the residue consists of small amount of elementary carbon formed in result of pyrolysis of succinate groups. In air cadmium oxidizes and the final solid product of decomposition is CdO.