The influence of chemical structure and combustion reactions on the maximum experimental safe gap of industrial gases and liquids

The paper shows how the molecular structure of a compound and the nature of the intermediates formed during its combustion can influence the Maximum Experimental Safe Gaps (MESGs). A qualitative discussion estimates the MESG of compounds for which measurements are not available by comparing their molecular structure and combustion products with those of compounds having measured MESGs. A list of compounds is given with measured MESGs corrected to standard temperature and pressure. The MESGs of compounds in various species groups are positioned on figures to show how molecular structure affects the MESG.