Hydrocracking of Cyclic Compounds with Zinc Chloride Catalyst

Abstract

Molten zinc chloride is known as an e:: cellent catalyst for hydrocracking polynuclear aromatics such as coals and coal extracts when used in a high concentration.
In this study the catalytic properties of molten zinc chloride were elucidated from the reaction products of hydrocracking of simple and pure cyclic compounds which have similar molecular structure to coal extracts.
Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons were most readily hydrocracked, and the dehydroxylation also easily occurred. Compounds with hydroxyl group such as m-cresol were hydrocracked and hydrogenated, while benzene was not.
A characteristic absorption band observed in molten zinc chloride and anthracene system indicated the formation of proton or charge-transfer complex between molten zinc chloride and cyclic compounds, This complex is likely to take part in the reaction as a reaction intermediate, since cyclic compound with lower ionization potential reacted more easily.