CATALYTIC HYDROTREATING OF 1-METHYLNAPHTHALENE AS A SCREENING-TEST

Catalytic hydrotreating of 1-methylnaphthalene, a component of most recycle vehicles in coal liquefaction processes, can provide a useful screening test for three catalytic functions: ring hydrogenation, hydrodemethylation (HDM), and ring hydrocracking to give substituted benzenes. Detailed information is obtained from the pressure change on reaction and from gas chromatographic analyses of both the product gas and the product liquid. A commercial Co/Mo/Al2O3 catalyst tested at 450°C shows very little incremental HDM compared with a no-catalyst control, no ring hydrocracking, but subtantial ring hydrogenation. At 500°C, all reactions are more extensive. A low-temperature ash from Kentucky coal is relatively inactive at 450°C except for HDM. © 1979.