Kinetic and analytical studies of the gaseous oxidation of aluminium trimethyl at ambient temperatures and at pressures well below those required for spontaneous ignition have shown that, in contrast to the oxidations of less electron-deficient metal alkyls, no peroxides can be detected and no volatile oxygenated organic compounds are formed. Methane, traces of hydrogen and a solid methoxymethyl compound of aluminium are the only products. The initial rate of reaction is approximately proportional to the first power of the alkyl pressure and to the square of the oxygen pressure; it is little influenced by temperature or by inert gases but is lowered by an increase in surface. The observed kinetic and analytical results can be accounted for in terms of a free radical chain mechanism in which termination takes place predominantly at the walls.
How Volatile Organic Compounds Affect Free Radical and Antioxidant Enzyme Activity in Textile Workers