What is the term for the chemical decomposition of a compound into other substances by heat alone?

The term for the chemical decomposition of a compound into other substances by heat alone is pyrolysis. This process occurs when organic material is thermally decomposed without any oxygen present, leading to the breakdown of chemical compounds into simpler molecules. Pyrolysis is significant in various applications, such as in the production of biofuels, where biomass is subjected to high temperatures to convert it into gas, liquid, and solid products.

Decomposition refers to the general process of breaking down a compound, but it does not specify the role of heat or the absence of oxygen. Combustion involves the rapid reaction of a substance with oxygen to produce heat and light, typically manifesting as fire, which differs from the thermal decomposition aspect of pyrolysis. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that involves the transfer of electrons, often involving oxygen, and is not purely about thermal breakdown. Thus, pyrolysis is distinctly defined as the process you are looking for in this context.