Quantum chemistry calculation of reaction pathways of carboxyl groups during coal self-heating

During coal self-heating, reactions of carboxyl groups feature in the evolution of the spontaneous combustion of coal. However, their elementary reaction pathways during this process still have not been revealed. This paper selected the Ar–CH 2 –COOH as a typical carboxyl group containing structure for the analysis of the reaction pathways and enhancement effect on the coal self-heating process by quantum chemistry calculations. The results indicate that the hydrogen atoms in carboxyl groups are the active sites, which undergo the oxidation process and self-reaction process during coal self-heating. They both have two elementary reactions, namely (i) the hydrogen abstraction of –COOH by oxygen and the decarboxylation of the –COO· free radical and (ii) the hydrogen abstraction of –COOH and its pyrolysis. The total enthalpy change and activation energy of the oxidation process are 76.93 kJ/mol and 127.85 kJ/mol, respectively, which indicate that this process is endothermic and will occur at medium temperatures. For the hydrogen abstraction of –COOH by hydrocarbon free radicals, the thermal parameters are 53.53 kJ/mol and 56.13 kJ/mol, respectively, which has the same thermodynamic properties as the oxidation process. However, for the pyrolysis, the thermal parameters are –42.53 kJ/mol and 493.68 kJ/mol, respectively, and is thus exothermic and would not occur until the coal reaches high temperatures. They affect heat accumulation greatly, generate carbon dioxide, and provide new active centers for enhancing the coal self-heating process. The results would be helpful for further understanding of the coal self-heating mechanism.