The kinetics and product distribution during the pyrolysis of n-heptan
e have been investigated in the temperature range 953-1023 K at atmosp
heric pressure, with steam as the inert diluent. The overall n-heptane
decomposition can be represented by a first-order reaction with a fre
quency factor of 6.02 x 10(13) s(-1) and an activation energy of 250.7
kJ mol(-1). The experimental product yields could be satisfactorily m
odeled by use of a molecular reaction scheme, consisting of a first-or
der primary reaction and 24 secondary reactions among the primary prod
ucts.