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Catalysis mechanism of coal liquefaction by H/sub 2/S. Final report, September 21, 1982-March 31, 1986

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5916624

More detailed data has been generated during the course of this contract to substantiate the modes in which hydrogen sulfide promotes liquefaction: (1) by hydrocracking; (2) hydrogen atom donation; (3) form aromatic sulfur bonds by pi-orbital attack; (4) catalyze the shift reaction; and (5) interaction with coal via an elemental sulfur intermediate. H/sub 2/S is now demonstrated to be catalytic with its quantitative recovery at the end of each reaction provided the reactor surface is presulfided. Low concentrations of H/sub 2/S of about 100 psi are optimum for coal conversion in an organic media. The metal reactor wall has been demonstrated to participate when H/sub 2/S is present. Hydrogen sulfide promotes the liquefaction of three ranks of coals: lignites, subbituminous and bituminous coals both in the absence and presence of a good hydrogen donor solvent. Therefore, it does more than merely act as a good hydrogen donor. The iron of the metal reactors was continually interfering with the data. Consequently, it was necessary to develop this chemistry. The H/sub 2/S proved to be converting the surface iron into pyrrhotite. Through collaboration with Montano, it was next possible to postulate and obtain experimental evidence for the chemical mechanism of how H/sub 2/S and iron act synergistically to promote liquefaction. This detailed surface chemistry has now been published. Hydrogen sulfide promotes the hydrocracking of all model compounds. The principal mechanism given for this is via SH aromatic pi-orbital attack followed by decoupling of the substituent. Bibenzyl follows an unusual mechanism. 29 refs., 17 tabs.

Research Organization:
North Dakota Univ., Grand Forks (USA). Dept. of Chemistry
DOE Contract Number:
FG22-82PC50814
OSTI ID:
5916624
Report Number(s):
DOE/PC/50814-T10; ON: DE86010667
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English