The Thermal Decomposition of Azomethane

The decomposition of azomethane has been studied in the temperature range 290–340°C by an analytical method. For 50 to 90 percent reaction the ratio of moles of product to moles of azomethane reacted is constant at 1.95. The energy of activation in terms of azomethane decomposed is 52,500 cal. Evidence is presented for the formation of tetramethylhydrazine as an intermediate during the reaction and material balances calculated from the analyses substantiate this.