FE(CO)(5)-SULFUR-CATALYZED COAL-LIQUEFACTION IN H2O-CO SYSTEMS

In the liquefaction of Yallourn, Wyoming. Wandoan and Illinois No. 6 c oals. using water and carbon monoxide as a hydrogen source. iron penta carbonyl, Fe(CO)(5). together with sulfur acts as an excellent catalys t precursor. The coal conversion and the oil and asphaltene yields dep end greatly on the amount of added water, CO pressure and especially r eaction temperature. The liquefaction of Yallourn coal (2.0g) at 375 d egrees C for 60 min with 1.1g water and 7.0 MPa (cold) CO in the prese nce of Fe(CO)(5)-sulfur gives a. coal conversion of 95.6 wt% with the oil yield of 37.0 wt%. The oil yield is further improved by controllin g the reaction temperature. In two-stage liquefaction of Yallourn coal (375 degrees C-60 min + 425 degrees C-60 min), the oil yield further increases to 55.8 wt% together with the high coal conversion of 92.9 w t%.