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Synthesis of fossil fuel components: The pentadecylpyridines

Conference · · Virginia Journal of Science; (United States)
OSTI ID:5481597
;  [1]
  1. George Mason Univ., Fairfax, VA (United States)
Alkylpyridines have been identified as major constituents of oil shale and lower rank bituminous and lignite coals. In order to develop a better understanding of the decomposition pathways of these materials, a study of the pyrolysis reactions of alkylpyridines is undergoing investigation. The model starting materials for these pyrolysis reactions are the three isomeric n-pentadecylpyridines. Many smaller alkyl- and alkenylpyridines that are breakdown products of the pyrolysis reactions have been synthesized using sodium amide in liquid ammonia. When this method was extended to the pentadecylpyridines, disappointing yields were realized. Other methods of alkylpyridine synthesis also were tried with limited success. Recently an interesting observation was made that when catalytic amounts of calcium hydride are added to the reaction mixture, yields of pentadecylpyridine products are increased markedly. A discussion of the methods employed during these syntheses and the effect of calcium hydride on product yields is presented.
OSTI ID:
5481597
Report Number(s):
CONF-9205376--
Conference Information:
Journal Name: Virginia Journal of Science; (United States) Journal Volume: 43:2
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English