Decomposition of a multi-peroxidic compound: Triacetone triperoxide (TATP)
Document Type
Article
Date of Original Version
9-1-2002
Abstract
The thermal decomposition of triacetone triperoxide (TATP) was investigated over the temperature range 151 to 230°C and found to be first order out to a high degree of conversion. Arrhenius parameters were calculated: activation energy, 151 kJ/mol and pre-exponential factor, 3.75 × 1013 s-1. Under all conditions the principle decomposition products were acetone (about 2 mole per mole TATP in the gas-phase and 2.5-2.6 mole per mole in condensed-phase) and carbon dioxide. Minor products included some ascribed to reactions of methyl radical: ethane, methanol, 2-butanone, ethyl acetate; these increased at high temperature. Methyl acetate and acetic acid were also formed in the decomposition of neat TATP; the former was more evident in the gas-phase decompositions (151°C and 230°C) and the latter in the condensed-phase decompositions (151°C). The decomposition of TATP in condensed-phase or in hydrogen-donating solvents enhanced acetone production, suppressed CO2 production, and slightly increased the rate constant (a factor of 2-3). All observations were interpreted in terms of decomposition pathways initiated by O-O homolysis.
Publication Title, e.g., Journal
Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics
Volume
27
Issue
4
Citation/Publisher Attribution
Oxley, Jimmie C., James L. Smith, and Heng Chen. "Decomposition of a multi-peroxidic compound: Triacetone triperoxide (TATP)." Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics 27, 4 (2002): 209-216. doi: 10.1002/1521-4087(200209)27:4<209::AID-PREP209>3.0.CO;2-J.