Removal of Heteroatoms from Organic Compounds by Supercritical Water

摘要

This study was initiated to determine if and under what conditions supercriticalwater (SW) would facilitate the removal of heteroatoms (specifically N, Cl and S) from organic compounds. These atoms are representative of those which are present in many hazardous materials which may require efficient methods of disposal. The compounds investigated were: trihexylamine, quinuclidine, benzylidenebenzylamine, quinoline, phenylpiperidine, phenylpyridine, nitrotoluene, dinitrotoluene, ethyl benzilate, cyclohexyl acetate, benzaldehyde, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, benzoic acid, 1-chlorohexane, 1-chlorododecane, 1-phenyl-3-chloropropane, 2-chlorotoluene, benzyl sulfide and thianaphthene. It was found that some compounds could be converted in good yields to useful materials in sw, particularly with the aid of catalytic additives. This may be a useful alternative to using methods such as oxidation/combustion for their complete destruction. The presence of SW was effective, without the aid of a catalyst, in facilitating the removal of aromatic Cl atoms, which were fairly unreactive under pyrolytic conditions. Finally, the HCl formed from chloro compounds quantitatively reacted with the reactors' metal walls producing hydrogen and metal chlorides. Supercritical water, Organic heteroatoms, Hazardous material disposal.