THERMAL-DECOMPOSITION OF TRANSITION-METAL CARBOXYLATES .1. DECOMPOSITION OF ANHYDROUS COPPER(II) FORMATE - MORPHOLOGY AND REGULARITIES OF GAS EVOLUTION

Thermal solid-phase decomposition of anhydrous copper(II) formate has been studied at 120-180 degrees C. The rate of gas evolution during th e decomposition depends on the depth of conversion and can be presente d as the sum of first-order reaction rates and the rate of the autocat alytic process (a second-order reaction). The evolution of the solid p hase during thermolysis has been observed by optical microscopy. The d ecomposition of copper formate is a complex topochemical process, a co mbination of homogeneous and heterogeneous transformations and dispers ion of large crystals.