Kinetics of the n-Decanol Oxyethylation Reaction with Allowance for Association

Abstract

The kinetics of n-decanol oxyethylation in the temperature range of 60–150°C at a pressure of 1.4MPa is investigated under conditions of base catalysis and an excess of alcohol in the initial step of the reaction (initial concentration of ethylene oxide in the reaction mixture, approximately 1 mol/L; that of the catalyst, 10⁻¹ to 10⁻³ mol/L). The experimental results are satisfactorily described by a kinetic equation that allows for the association of alcohol molecules and is first order with respect to the concentration of alcohol associates. Based on kinetic studies and thermogravimetry, it is concluded that the structural rearrangement of liquid decanol occurs at a temperature of around 87.5°C.