MOLECULAR ATTRACTIVE FORCES AND THE VELOCITY OF CHEMICAL REACTIONS
The reactions between hydrogen chloride and α-, β-, and γ-butylene have been investigated in both the liquid and gaseous states. The effect of temperature and concentration of the reactants on the reaction velocities was studied and the reaction products were examined. In the liquid state the γ-isomer reacts rapidly, the α- much more slowly and the β- slowest of all. In the gaseous state at atmospheric pressure only γ-butylene shows a measurable reaction which is bimolecular and probably heterogeneous. The liquid reactions were found to be homogeneous. Where possible the freezing-point curves of the systems were determined in order to ascertain the extent of molecular compound formation. The results obtained bear out the conclusions arrived at from previous work on the effect of molecular attraction upon reaction velocity, and indicate the existence of a catalytic factor peculiar to the liquid state. Suggestions as to the mechanism of such a catalysis are offered.