APPLICATION OF K-BI-GRAPHITE INTERCALATION COMPOUNDS AS STEREOSELECTIVE CATALYSTS OF CYCLOHEXANOL CONVERSION

The second stage of K-Bi-graphite intercalation compounds with interpl anar distance of 1320 pm was used as a catalyst for cyclohexanol conve rsion. Intercalation of a K-Bi alloy into graphite caused a two-fold i ncrease in activity for cyclohexanol dehydrogenation to cyclohexanone and dehydration to cyclohexene in the temperature range 200-400 degree s C. The K-Bi-GICs catalyst was also stereoselective; complete inactiv ity in the dehydrogenation to benzene was found. A correlation was fou nd between the catalytic activity and thermally stimulated electron em ission from the K-Bi-GICs in the temperature range of 300-350 degrees C.