Some recent studies of the mechanisms of dehydration reactions of solids

Thermal Analysis, the central topic of this conference, is a technique that is widely used for the measurement of reaction rates and from which deductions can be made concerning the identity of the bond redistribution steps contributing to the chemical change being investigated. The mechanistic insights obtained from such studies enable us to identify the factors that determine reactivity and to understand theoretically the controls operating in chemical reactions. The present article points out, however, that kinetic data alone do not usually provide sufficient information to enable detailed identification of the sequence of steps through which reactants are converted into products.This review discusses recent research concerned with characterizing mechanisms within a group of solid state processes that has been the subject of extensive kinetic investigations (including thermal analyses): the dehydrations of crystalline hydrates. Conclusions from previous studies of reactions of this type have contributed extensively to the more general understanding of solid-state reactions. Here we discuss some mechanistic conclusions from a number of recent studies in the field and emphasize the value of complementing rate measurements with other relevant observations, including microscopic examinations of the textural modifications that accompany chemical changes.The sincere thanks of the author to all his collaborators cited in the reference list and to M. E. Brady for his helpful contributions during the preparation of this review.