Kinetics of Carboxylic Acid Formation in the Combustion of Alcohols
Abstract
Several studies have shown that low-temperature operation of spark ignition engines on methanol fuel results in unusually high ring and cylinder bore wear. It has been found that the wear is caused by formic acid and peroxide formed in the low-temperature combustion of methanol. Bench studies have shown that combustion residues are formed when shallow pools of alcohols are burned. The residues were found to contain substantial concentrations of aldehydes, carboxylic acids, and peroxides. The objective of the present study was to measure rates and to determine the kinetics of formation of carboxylic acids and peroxides observed in residues formed by burning shallow pools of liquid alcohols. An examination of the literature suggested strongly that carboxylic acid formation in alcohol combustion was probably caused by the reaction of hydrogen peroxide with aldehydes. The kinetics of the reactions of hydrogen peroxide with formaldehyde, deuterated formaldehyde acetaldehyde, and chloral were examined in aqueous solution. Rate constants and equilibrium constants are given in the report for the respective decompositions and formations of the methylenehydroxyperoxide-type intermediates proposed to exist in the reactions of hydrogen peroxide with aldehydes. Keywords: Corrosion. (aw)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA200961
Entities
People
- David W. Naegeli
Organizations
- Southwest Research Institute