Conversion of Oxygenated Aromatics

In FCC, the refinability of heavy-oils can be enhanced by reducing the aromaticity (i.e. partial oxidation). This work focused on the conversion of oxygenated aromatics over HY zeolites (Si/Al= 15 and 40). 1- and 2-tetralone are used as representative compounds. The reactions were conducted in a fixed-bed reactor at 300 - 500 ºC under atmospheric pressure. The feeds were introduced to the reactor by using a bubbler in order to minimize condensation or solvent problems. It was found that tetralones are thermally unstable and 2-tetralone has a higher reactivity than 1-tetralone. Dehydrogenation (i.e. naphthol product) and coupling (i.e. heavies) were the main reaction paths. Deoxygenation (i.e. to tetralin and naphthalene) products was a slower path. In the presence of co-fed compounds (e.g. decalin, tetralin and dimethyltetralin), naphthalene production is promoted, suggesting the hydride transfer facilitates deoxygenation of naphthol. In addition, isomerization of naphthol can be expected under the acid-catalyzed reaction.