Control of catalytic hydrotreating selectivity with ammonia. [Hydrodeoxygenation

Abstract

The hydrogenation of naphthalene in the presence of 0, 24, or 48 kPa of ammonia derived from propyl amine was studied during the hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of dibenzofuran (DBF). A new sample of sulfided NiMo/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} catalyst at 360{degrees}C, 6.9 MPa total H{sub 2} pressure in a vapor phase tubular reactor was used. As a base-line the HDO of DBF was also studied in the absence of both naphthalene and ammonia. Ammonia inhibited both the HDO of dibenzofuran and the hydrogenation of naphthalene. The addition of ammonia may not be suitable if a high conversion of HDO is desired. 12 figs.