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The Decomposition of Methane, Ethane, Ethylene and n‐Butane in Electrical Discharges of Moderate Pressures

The decomposition of CH4, C2H6, C2H4, and n-C4H10 has been investigated in radiofrequency plasmas operated at power levels of 1–8 cal cm−3 sec−1, 10–40 torr and flow rates of the hydrocarbons between 2 and 20 1 (STP) min−1. 
 
 
 
It is shown that values of the rate constants are very close for all the hydrocarbons investigated and several orders of magnitude greater than those observed in their pyrolisis at comparable gas temperatures. Energy yields up to 30% can be observed for all hydrocarbons. 
 
 
 
It is suggested that the rate determining step for the decomposition process of all hydrocarbons investigated involves the rupture of a C-H bond in vibrotationally excited molecules.