Interaction of Coal with Sodium Nitrite

Abstract

A mechanism is proposed for the interaction of coal with paramagnetic nitrogen oxides produced in the decomposition of sodium nitrite. The main role in the self-oxidation of coal is played by quinoid structures with high redox potential. Four basic periods are identified in the thermooxidative transformation of coal. These periods differ in the rate of the processes, the quantity of gaseous oxidative products, and their composition. The decomposition products of the coal react most vigorously with the oxidant in the fourth period. That leads rapidly to self-heating of the reaction mixture, culminating in explosive gas liberation.