HYDROGENOLYSIS OF ETHANE AND OF PROPANE OVER A COMMERCIAL RUTHENIUM CATALYST - KINETIC STUDY

The kinetics of ethane and propane hydrogenolysis were studied over a commercial 0.5% ruthenium on γ-alumina catalyst. The ethane hydrogenolysis rate was first-order-dependent on ethane partial pressure and -2-order-dependent on hydrogen partial pressure over a temperature range of 160° to 220° C. at 1- to 2-atm. total pressure. The propane hydrogenolysis rate was first-order-dependent on propane partial pressure and -3/2-order-dependent on hydrogen partial pressure over a temperature range of 140° to 170°C. at 1-atm. total pressure. The apparent activation energies were 42 kcal. for ethane hydrogenolysis and 35.8 kcal. for propane hydrogenolysis obtained in a well-mixed gas-solid reactor operating over a wide range of conversions. Possible interpretations of the kinetic results are given. © 1969, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.