A Study of the Thermal Decomposition of Esters of Oxalic Acid

Abstract

<p> This work was initiated with a view to elucidating the hitherto little-studied thermolysis of esters of oxalic acid. A number of symmetrical diesters were synthesized and several were investigated thoroughly by use of product studies, kinetic methods and kinetic isotope-effect measurements. Both preparative and pyrolytic procedures and results are recorded. The literature regarding previous studies of the effect of heat on oxalate esters is surveyed, and a review of the principles and uses of the investigative methods employed is presented. The results are discussed in the light of more recent work and both general and specific mechanisms for oxalate thermolysis are suggested.</p>