Mass spectrometric investigation of hydrocarbon ions produced via catalytic oxidation

The mass spectrometric identification of the charged and neutral species produced during the catalytic oxidation of 2,2-dimethylbutane is reported. The chemical composition of the ions produced is temperature and pressure dependent. At temperatures below 750 °C polymeric or clustered ions are observed at me ratios up to 298. Ions which are typically found in flames are detected above 900 °C. The data suggest that at lower temperatures the oxidation process takes place on the surface. At high temperatures (>900 °C) the ion producing mechanism extends into the vapor phase.