IRON-CATALYZED HYDROGENATION OF HIGH-SULFUR CONTENT COALS

Four high-sulphur low-rank coals have been trated at hydrogenation con ditions with three iron-based catalyst precursors: Red Mud (Fe2O3), ir on sulphide and iron pentacarbonyl. The obtained yields show a depende nce with the sulphur content of the coals; the organic sulphur content correlates with the conversion and THF-solubles when Red Mud and iron sulphide are added. In spite of the high hydrogen sulphide partial pr essure in the reaction, the addition of other sources of sulphur enhan ces the percentages in conversion products.