The vapor-phase cracking of 4-vinylguaiacol has been investigated in a nonisothermal, laminar-flow reactor at temperatures between 300 and 900 degrees C and a residence time of one second. Products identified by gas chromatography were oxygenated compounds such as phenols, cresols, furans, ketones, and aldehydes, single-ring and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, C-1-C-6 hydrocarbon gases, and carbon monoxide. Temperature had a marked effect in governing the overall product composition. Conversion of 4-vinylguaiacol to products increased above 400 degrees C and was completed at 550 degrees C. Reaction rate parameters derived from the conversion data were A = 10(13) s(-1) and E-a = 45.3 kcal mol(-1). The oxygenated compounds were observed as products in the range 450-800 degrees C, peaking in yields below 700 degrees C. The aromatic hydrocarbons and light gases dominated the product composition above 600 degrees C, especially at 900 degrees C, the highest temperature investigated. On the basis of the experimental data showing the effect of temperature on product composition, reaction pathways leading to products formation are proposed.