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U.S. Department of Energy
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Exploratory study of coal conversion chemistry. Quarterly report No. 9, May 19, 1983-August 18, 1983

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5633547

Work has begun on computer modeling of hydrogenolysis systems, incorporating the hydrogen transfer reactions we have invoked to explain the liquefaction effectiveness of pyrene. Additional coal conversion experiments have also been performed in a not yet successful attempt to clearly define the conversion conditions under which the differences between pyrene and the other solvents are maximized. We are also conducting a series of experiments designed to relate conversion in pure model compound systems to conversion in real coal systems and to further characterize certain coals for their radical-initilating and hydrogen transfer properties as compared with pure donor solvent systems. These latter experiments involve spiking coal liquefaction mixtures with model compounds under conditions where conversion of the model compounds can readily be determined. Our efforts in Conversion in CO/H/sub 2/O Systems were concentrated on analysis of the conversion products of an Illinois No. 6 coal, PSOC-1098, in CO/D/sub 2/O were analyzed for their deuterium content; the results reveal substantial levels of deuterium incorporation, even in the absence of conversion. Hence, supercritical water exchanges rapidly and extensively with coal at 400/sup 0/C. The behavior of benzaldehyde in CO/H/sub 2/O and CO/D/sub 2/O was also examined. The reduction of benzaldehyde to benzyl alcohol follows the water-gas shift reaction and exhibits an inverse isotope effect. This behavior is similar to the conversion behavior of the Illinois No. 6 coal in CO/H/sub 2/O. Evidence is also presented that supports the view that formate, the intermediate in the water-gas shift reaction, is responsible for conversion of the Illinois No. 6 coal.

Research Organization:
SRI International, Menlo Park, CA (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC22-81PC40785
OSTI ID:
5633547
Report Number(s):
DOE/PC/40785-9; ON: DE84003112
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English