Study of the AlCl3 catalytic activity on aromatic hydrocarbons—I: Low temperature range

✍ Scribed by J.F.Rey Boero; J.A. Wargon

• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1981
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 796 KB
• Volume: 19
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0008-6223
• DOI: 10.1016/0008-6223(81)90056-7

✦ Synopsis

The catalytic action of AK& on naphthalene and other polynuclear hydrocarbons was studied at temperatures between 85 and 120°C. The reaction system is formed by two liquid phases, one of which contains the higher molecular weight products and the catalyst. The behaviour of reaction rate when either the temperature or the stirring speed are varied, shows that a diffusion control prevails. Deviation from first order kinetics and other evidences show that the catalyst is progressively inactivated through the formation of complexes. No He evolution is observed and there are no ethylenic bonds in the products. This is explained in terms of a process of polymerization and disproportionation which produces fully aromatic and partially aliphatic molecules. Aliphatic hydrogen is thought to be present in tetralin like systems. The reaction is believed to occur through a cationic mechanism where proton releasing species are necessary as cocatalysts.