CONVERSION OF METHYLCYCLOHEXANE AND METHYLCYCLOHEXENE ON NI AL2O3 CATALYST/

Nickel supported on alumina (1 Ni:1 Al2O3) was prepared by impregnatio n and activated by heating in air or hydrogen. The characteristics of the prepared solid were performed by means of X-ray diffraction analys is. The activity of the catalyst was tested in the conversion of methy cyclohexane and methycyclohexene. The XRD-analysis revealed that the s olids activated by heating in air at 500 degrees C contained crystalli ne NiO, while those activated at temperatures higher than 500 degrees C consisted of NiAl2O3 spinel. On the other hand Ni/Al2O3 samples acti vated by hydrogen at 500 degrees or more showed a crystalline Ni-metal phase and poorly crystalline gamma-Al2O3. The experiments of catalysi s revealed that methylcyclohexane undergoes conversion into toluene an d C-1 and C-2 and the activity of catalysts decreased with increasing the calcination temperature. On the other hand methylcyclohexene under goes isomerization, dehydrogenation and hydrogenation yeilding dimethy lcyclopentane, toluene and methylcyclohexane.