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Title: Factors controlling hydrogenolysis in coal liquefaction: Quarterly report No. 1 for the period July 16, 1986 to September 30, 1986

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6574854

The objective of the present study is to determine in greater detail the factors affecting solvent-mediated hydrogenolyses. We will then have a better understanding of, and ability to manipulate, these induced bond scissions in actual coal liquefaction. Toward this end we are investigating the cleavage rates of suitable model compounds in a variety of solvent systems with and without added coals. This investigation allows us to assess the relative importance of hydrogenolysis via free H-atoms and via radical hydrogen-transfer (RHT). We have been able to differentiate between hydrogenolysis via free H-atoms from that via RHT by examining the selectivity of cleavage of 1,2'-dinaphthylmethane. To further aid our understanding of the competition in cleavage of strong bonds by various modes of H-transfer, we are also conducting mechanistic numerical modeling studies. Finally, we are also trying to understand the impact of mass transport limitations that are likely to be important in actual coal liquefactions because of the heterogeneous nature of coal. Our approach is to bond model structures onto silica gel and study their cleavage in aromatic solvents in the presence of coal. In these experiments, the model structures, whose cleavage can be precisely measured, cannot directly migrate to the sites in coal where hydrogen becomes available, but must rely on the shuttling ability of the aromatic solvent.

Research Organization:
SRI International, Menlo Park, CA (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
FG22-86PC90908
OSTI ID:
6574854
Report Number(s):
DOE/PC/90908-1; ON: DE87009631
Resource Relation:
Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English