In this study, we investigated carbon feedstock decomposition conditions on the synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) by chemical vapor deposition. We simulated gas-phase thermal decomposition of ethanol and dimethyl ether (DME) at typical SWNT growth conditions using the chemical kinetic model, and confirmed the reaction trends and primary products using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Molar fractions were correlated against residence time in the reactor by adjusting the volumetric gas flow rate, and concentration profiles of reaction species were compared to the predicted decomposition mechanism. Signature peak intensities indicated concentrations of both ethanol and DME.