STUDY OF THE KINETICS OF THE CATALYTIC DECOMPOSITION OF ETHYLBENZENE HYDROPEROXIDE BY THE INITIAL RATES METHOD

An investigation has been made of the kinetic relationships governing the decomposition of ethylbenzene hydroperoxide (EBHP) in the presence of a complex molybdenum catalyst (KMK). Data obtained by processing t he curves of product accumulation and EBHP consumption by the initial rates method are given. With account taken of published data and the c omposition of the products, it is concluded that, at the initial momen t, there are two routes by which EBHP decomposition occurs. The presen ce of molybdenum in low states of oxidation in the KMK has been demons trated by spectral methods.