Catalysis of benzene deuterium exchange, and related reactions over NiX and NiY

Abstract

Benzene deuterium exchange, and hydrogen deuterium equilibration were studied over a range of catalysts prepared by nickel ion exchange with samples of X, Y and intermediate composition, faujasite type zeolites. Experiments were also carried out on the water poisoning of both reactions. The results obtained were almost independent of the silicon to aluminum atom ratio in the zeolites. A mechanism which involves the heterolytic splitting of deuterium or hydrogen is proposed to explain both reactions. The active sites are thought to be associated with nickel ions located on the exterior faces of the crystallites.