Acid Catalyzed Depolymerization of Coal by Hydride Donors. Final Report

摘要

On the basis of reports of the depolymerization of coals by treatment with phenols and strong acids, we proposed that reaction of coals with acidic solutions containing potential hydride donors, such as formic acid and hydrogen iodide, might be an effective method for conversion of coals to materials with lower molecular weights. We have tested this hypothesis by reacting model compounds, including aromatic ethers and sulfides, with hydrogen donors in strong acids. The mechanisms of bond cleavages in aromatic compounds containing activating groups (hydroxy and alkoxy) and in unactivated molecules have been investigated. We have also investigated the mechanisms by which phenols catalyze conversion of coals during treatment with hydrogen donors at high temperatues by studying the transfer hydrogenolysis of bonds to aromatic rings in model compounds. We have proposed a novel mechanism to account for this effect, and have developed a series of mixed catalysts which are effective for cleavaages of aryl - oxygen and aryl - sulfur bonds in model compounds for coals. 9 figs., 15 tabs. (ERA citation 11:026836)