CATALYTIC LIQUEFACTION OF KANSK-ACHINSK LIGNITE IN METHANOL AT 653-K

The action of methanol in the liquefaction of Kansk-Achinsk lignite in the presence of H2 has been studied. Hydroxides and chlorides of Ni, Co, Zn, Cr, Sn, Fe and Mo were used as catalysts. The most active catalysts were Ni and Co hydroxides. The use of methanol did not result in an increase in coal conversion but improved significantly the quality of liquid products. Data from i.r., 1H n.m.r. spectroscopy, elemental analysis and deuteriosubstitution techniques have shown that alkylation of liquid products took place during lignite hydrogenation. A quantitative method for estimating the degree of alkylation has been developed. The degree of alkylation increased with enhancement of methanol concentration in the reaction mixture. Its value is 14-24% for different catalysts at a coal:methanol 1:1 ratio. The catalysts studied did not influence alkylation reactions but accelerated the lignite hydrogenation by molecular hydrogen. © 1990.