Influence of volatile metal carbonyls on the reactions of thermal radicals in the C4H10 + recoil T system

The addition of Ni(CO) 4 and Fe(CO) 5 to the C 4 H 10 + recoil T system causes remarkable increase of ethylene-T and light hydrocarbons-T yields. The effect of metal carbonyls on products yield variation has been ascribed to an intermediate containing the metal and the radicals produced in the reactions. By the use of inert moderators and pressure effect, which enhance the radical density, the essential role of T• and alkyl radicals as limiting reactants is discussed.