AbstractThe thermal decomposition of acetic acid esters is used as a method for the preparation of unsaturated hydrocarbons of different types. Auxiliary reactions, with the formation of isomers of the hydrocarbons, do not occur, so that this method is very suitable for the preparation of unsaturated hydrocarbons, in large as well as small quantities. The yields with respect to the acetate vary from 60 to 90 per cent.