Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Determination Of The Rate Of Formation Of Hcn, Mitchell Hull

Honors Theses

Nitric oxide is a major air pollutant arising from fossil fuel combustion, yet the fuel contribution to its formulation is uncertain. Since, in combustion, fossil fuels undergo disintegration before oxidation takes place, the study of the pyrolsis of a model constituent of fossil fuels can shed light on NO formation. The rate of inert pyrolytic disappearance of pyridine and the rate of formation of the principal Nitrogen-containing pyrolytic product, HCN, was studied in an inert atmosphere. The rate constant for the formation of HCN and its temperature dependence were determined.