Theory of solid-state decomposition reactions: A historical essay

The history of the formation and development of the theory of solid-state decomposition reactions, based on the mechanism of congruent dissociative vaporization of a solid with simultaneous condensation of the supersaturated vapor of the low-volatility product, is described here in the form of recollections. The review covers a 30-year period (1981-2010), beginning with basic experimental studies in the decomposition process by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) and quadrupole mass spectrometry (QMS) and ending with measurements of the decomposition kinetics by thermogravimetric analysis. Some remarks and recommendations based on the author's participation in two long-term projects, the development of the ETAAS method and that of the theory of solid-state reactions, are formulated in the conclusion.