Effects of iron catalyst precursors, sulfur, hydrogen pressure and solvent type on the hydrocracking of di(1-naphthyl)methane

Abstract

The effects of various iron catalysts, elemental sulfur, hydrogen pressure and solvents on the hydrocracking of di(1-naphthyl)methane (DNM) were investigated under different conditions. The activities of the iron catalysts were affected by their physical and chemical properties such as surface area and reduced state. The addition of sulfur resulted in a marked increase in DNM conversion at 430 °C. However, at 300 °C the addition of sulfur had a deleterious effect on DNM hydrogenation but a promotional effect on DNM hydrocracking, and Fe and FeS 2 catalysed DNM hydrogenation/hydrocracking by substantially different mechanisms. FeS 2-catalysed hydrocracking of DNM was retarded by aromatic solvents.