Hydrogenolysis of Some Small Paraffinic Hydrocarbons Over Supported Ruthenium

Abstract

<p> The hydrogenolysis reactions of a series of small paraffinic hydrocarbons (propane, n-butane, isobutane, isopentane, and neopentane) were examined using a continuous stirred-tank catalytic reactor. The catalyst was 0.5 weight percent ruthenium scipported on γ-alumina.</p> <p> The reaction orders with respect to hydrocarbon and hydrogen and the activation energies were determined for the reaction of each hydrocarbon. The order of reactivity was also examined.</p> <p> The product distributions from each hydrocarbon were measured over a wide range of conversion (5 to 80%) and several temperatures. Reaction networks proposing reversible adsorption-desorption of the hydrocarbons and irreversible rupture of the carbon-carbon bonds in the surface species were applied to these data.</p> <p> Some conclusions were made concerning the mechanism of hydrogenolysis and the rate-limiting step.</p>