Thermal decomposition of Cd(CH3COO)(2) center dot 2H(2)O studied by a coupled Tg-DTA-MS method

The thermal decomposition of cadmium acetate dihydrate in helium and in air atmosphere has been investigated by means of a coupled TG-DTA-MS method combined with X-ray diffraction analysis. Dehydration of Cd(CH3COO)(2).2H(2)O is a two-stage process with Cd(CH3COO)(2).H2O as intermediate. The way of Cd(CH3COO)(2) decomposition strongly depends on the surrounding gas atmosphere and the rate of heating. CdO, acetone and CO2 are the primary products of decomposition in air. In helium decomposition goes by two parallel and consecutive reactions in which intermediates, Cd and CdCO3, are formed. Metallic cadmium oxidizes and cadmium carbonate decomposes giving CdO. Some of the metallic cadmium, depending on the heating rate and the concentration of oxygen, evaporates. Acetone is partially oxidized in secondary reactions with oxygen.