Thermal decomposition of 2-methylpyridine N-oxide: Effect of temperature and influence of phosphotungstic acid as the catalyst

The thermal decomposition of 2-methylpyridine N-oxide was studied at temperatures between 190 °C and 220 °C using an Automatic Pressure Tracking Adiabatic Calorimeter. The effect of the catalyst on the decomposition was evaluated using different amounts of phosphotungstic acid. It was determined that 2-methylpyridine N-oxide decomposes faster with low amounts of catalyst and temperatures above 200 °C. Below 200 °C, the decomposition is very slow. For the cases presented here, the decomposition reaction was accompanied by substantial production of non-condensable gasses, and 2-methylpyridine and pyridine were identified as the main decomposition products.

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► The decomposition of 2-methylpyridine N-oxide decomposition was studied.
► The decomposition is significant above 200oC and produces non-condensable gases.
► The decomposition is favored by temperature and catalyst.
► 2-methylpyridine and pyridine are the main products of the decomposition.
► The catalytic action of by-products promoted the decomposition of 2-methylpyridine.