THERMAL-DECOMPOSITION OF ALCOHOLS .3. 1-METHYLCYCLOHEXANOL

The thermal decomposition of 1-methylcyclohexanol has been studied over the temperature range 448-506�C. Decomposition is homogeneous and involves two competing first-order reactions, dehydration and ketone (propanone and butanone) formation. Errors are quoted as 90% confidence limits, and R = 8.31 J mol-1 K-1. Dehydration is a concerted, unimolecular elimination; calculations suggest that the four-centre transition state is 'tight'. Ketone formation involves several free-radical reactions initiated by either carbon-carbon bond fission at the tertiary carbon or hydrogen atom abstraction from the alcohol.