MASS AND MICROWAVE SPECTROSCOPIC STUDIES OF THE PYROLYSIS OF OXIMES

The mass and microwave spectra of the pyrolysates of three oxime compo unds (XCH(2)CH=NOH, X=H, CH3 and Cl) were observed at 900, 800, and 55 0 degrees C, respectively. The pyrolysates of CH3 CH=NOH and CH3 CH2 C H=NOH were identified by microwave and mass spectroscopy to be acetoni trile and propionitrile. The pyrolysates of ClCH2CH=NOH were identifie d as trans-nitrosoethylene, formaldehyde, and hydrogen cyanide by the same methods. We concluded that trans-nitrosoethylene is produced by d ehydrochlorination of the Cl atom and the hydrogen atom of the OH grou p, and that CH2=O and HCN appear to be generated by cleavage of C-C an d N-O bonds of 4H-1,2-oxazete.