THE PYROLYSIS OF O-CHLOROBENZALMALONONITRILE IN A GAS FLOW SYSTEM

To assist studies on the dispersion of ochlorobenzalmalononitrile CS in the atmosphere from thermal generators, and as part of a general investigation of the chemical reactivity of CS, a study was made of the pyrolysis of the compound which occurs during passage in a carrier gas stream through a heated silica tube. The effects of changes in the pyrolysis conditions, e.g. tube temperature, surface area of heated silica, nature of the carrier gas, concentration of CS, flow rate residence time in the hot zone, on the extent and nature of the pyrolysis of CS were examined. Decomposition in N produced resinous substances which have not been identified decomposition in O results in the formation of simple products which were identified and determined quantitatively. Conclusions are drawn as to the significance of the results with regard to the dissemination of CS from pyrotechnic mixtures.