DECANE AUTOXIDATION - PRECURSORS OF GAMMA-LACTONES AND OTHER MINOR PRODUCTS

Autoxidation of decane produces the following minor products in decrea sing yields, viz. 2,5-, 3,6- and 4,7-decanediones and diols. Addition of 3-decanone to a decane autoxidation enhances the production of octa nal, heptanal, octanoic and heptanoic acids. 3-Decanol initially inhib its the autoxidation reaction prior to being oxidized to 3-decanone. g amma-Octanoic and gamma-heptanoic lactone formation in the autoxidatio n of decane is promoted by the addition of 3- and 4-decyl hydroperoxid es, respectively. These lactones are formed when tert-butoxy radicals react with 3,6- and 4,7-decane diols in the presence of oxygen. The na ture of the intermediates in the formation of the minor products and t he inhibition by alcohols are discussed.