Infrared Spectrum of Two-Stage Cool Flame of Diethyl Ether

Abstract

An optical system has been made so that absorption and emission spectra from stages of a combustion process can be observed. Spectra from the two-stage cool flame of diethyl ether indicate that carbonyl compounds are formed as intermediates and final products are HCHO, CO2, H2O, CO, and C2H4. Also identified are CH3OH and CH4. Temperature calculations indicate that the infrared emission from this reaction is of thermal origin in contrast to the visible emission which is undoubtedly chemiluminescence. Calculated temperatures range from 700°K in the first cool flame to ∼1000° in the second-stage flame.