Application of combined pyrolysis—thin-layer chromatography to the study of chemical kinetics

The theory of the thermal decomposition of a pure liquid is discussed, and limitations on the determination of true kinetic constants are specified. True kinetic constants cannot be obtained from a complex first-order reaction without studying the component reactions separately. Methods for studying component reactions by use of programmed-temperature pyrolysis combined with TLC are presented. The methods are used to determine activation energies for the thermal decomposition of some monossacharides.