Decomposition of di-tert-butyl nitroxide in aqueous solutions

Di-tert-butyl nitroxide (DTBN) decomposes in aqueous solutions producing 2-methyl-2-nitroso propane (MNP) and tert-butanol. The process is acid catalyzed, it is of second order in DTBN, and takes place with a rate constant of (1.0 ± 0.1) M^?2 s^?1. The reaction is also catalyzed by the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate and by Fe(II) and Fe(III) ions. The catalysis by Fe(III) involves a very fast reduction of Fe(III) ions with concomitant formation of 2-methyl-2-nitroso propane. The reaction catalyzed by Fe(II) also produces 2-methyl-2-nitroso propane with a formation rate given by: dMNP]/dt = (0.25 ± 0.10) Fe(II)] DTBN]. This reaction rate is nearly pH independent.