Steric factors in the gas-phase elimination of esters: The pyrolysis of 2,3-dimethyl-3-pentyl acetate

The kinetics of the thermal decomposition of 2,3-dimethyl-3-pentyl acetate have been studied at a temperature range of 212–260°C and a pressure range of 30–300 mm Hg. The olefins produced are 2-ethyl-3-methyl-1-butene, 3,4-dimethyl-trans-2-pentene, 3,4-dimethyl-cis-2-pentene, and 2,3-dimethyl-2-pentene. The reaction is homogeneous, obeys first-order law, and the value of the rate constant is given by the Arrhenius equation The directions of elimination and their corresponding partial rates are best explained in terms of purely steric factors.