Effect of pressure on the thermolysis of nitroalkanes in solution

A study was conducted to examine the influence of pressure on the decomposition rates of a couple of acidic nitroalkanes, namely nitromethane and 2-nitropropane. A piston-in-cylinder assembly was utilized to carry out high pressure experimental work. Results indicated that the decomposition pathways of nitroalkanes in aprotic solvents were influenced by the availability of alpha hydrogen. Findings also showed that the dominant reaction channel changed with pressure.