A MODEL STUDY OF THE OXIDATION OF UNDECYLENIC ACID BY TERT-BUTYL HYDROPEROXIDE: FUEL INSTABILITY REACTIONS

ABSTRACT

The subject of fuel instability reactions is usually complicated in that no one species is entirely responsible. Thus multi-component model systems need to be employed to simplify the study of alternate mechanisms and pathways. If the system is too complicated, the reaction pathways are too varied and complicated to discern. Additionally, the suite of heteroatoms present in a finished fuel depends on the source of the crude. Model systems thus represent a reasonable alternative. The model system employed in this study consists of tert-butyl hydroperoxide, and undecylenic acid in benzene solvent. Although radical mechanisms are complex, the slate of products was explainable by a few competing reactions.