Initial reactivity differences between a 3-component surrogate model and a 24-component model for RP-1 fuel pyrolysis evaluated by ReaxFF MD

•Pyrolysis reactivity differences of two RP-1 models were evaluated by ReaxFF MD.•A 3-component surrogate model and a complex 24-component model were employed.•Versatile ring opening pathways in the 24-component model have been revealed.•Reaction pathway differences for formation of 2-methylpropene, dienes, cyclohexenes.•An alternative approach for evaluating comprehensive reactivity in fuel pyrolysis.