REACTION OF 4-(NAPHTHYLMETHYL)BIBENZYL, THERMALLY AND IN THE PRESENCEOF FE(CO)3(PPH3)2

The reaction pathways, kinetics and mechanisms of 4-(naphthylmethyl)bi benzyl (NBBM) have been studied in order to resolve the fundamentals u nderlying the catalysis of coal liquefaction by Fe-based catalysts. Re actions of NBBM: (1) under nitrogen in the absence of catalyst, (2) un der hydrogen in the absence of catalyst, (3) under nitrogen in the pre sence of the catalyst precursor Fe(CO)3(PPh3)2, and (4) under hydrogen in the presence of the catalyst precursor Fe(CO)3(PPh3)2 were accompl ished. Thermolysis was selective for cleavage of the weak bibenzyl bon d, whereas the catalyst precursor effected cleavage at the naphthyl mo iety. The catalyst precursor was most effective in the presence of hyd rogen, where the rate of consumption of NBBM and the selectivity of br eaking the bond at the naphthalene ring both increased. Hydrogenation activity was also observed. Possible mechanisms are proposed to descri be the pyrolytic and catalytic reactions of NBBM.