Catalysis of metallic iron, iron oxides and iron sulfates was investigated on the hydroconversion of naphthalene-compounds in the absence and presence of sulfur (S) under hydrogen of 10MPa at 350℃. Catalytic activity of iron compounds in the absence of S were affected with the form of iron precursor charged and the structure of reactant. Iron compounds in the presence of S were showed high activity, without ferric sulfate. Hydrogenation of aromatic-rings was a main reaction in almost cases, but C_<ar>-C_<alk> bond between naphthalene-ring carbon and methylene carbon in 4-(1-naphthylmethyl) bibenzyl was hydrocracked in the presence of sulfur without ferric sulfate. Metallic iron and ferrous sulfate were revealed useful catalyst precursors for hydroconversion of heavy aromatic hydrocarbons in the presence of sulfur.
