AbstractChloroform is decomposed by irradiation with ultrasonic waves to yield a large number of products. The major products are various unsaturated compounds. Decomposition occurs only in the presence of a monoatomic‐ or diatomic gas. Free radicals and carbenes are postulated as intermediates of sonolysis which can only be scavenged by volatile additives such as O2 or c‐hexene. In the presence of 10% c‐hexene, the rate of sonolysis of chloroform is increased and various additional products are formed. Pure c‐hexene is decomposed at a much lower rate than chloroform. The sonolysis of chloroform proceeds at a rate comparable to that of water.
AbstractChloroform is decomposed by irradiation with ultrasonic waves to yield a large number of products. The major products are various unsaturated compounds. Decomposition occurs only in the presence of a monoatomic‐ or diatomic gas. Free radicals and carbenes are postulated as intermediates of sonolysis which can only be scavenged by volatile additives such as O2 or c‐hexene. In the presence of 10% c‐hexene, the rate of sonolysis of chloroform is increased and various additional products are formed. Pure c‐hexene is decomposed at a much lower rate than chloroform. The sonolysis of chloroform proceeds at a rate comparable to that of water.