THERMAL DEALKYLATION OF DODECYLBENZENE AND DODECYLCYCLOHEXANE

Rate constants for thermal decomposition of isotopically labeled dodec ylbenzene and dodecylcyclohexane doped in n-C-16 and crude oil matrice s were measured in sealed glass tubes at 310-360 degrees C. The rate v aried by a factor of 1.5 in the various matrices, but there was no cle ar relationship with matrix composition. The decomposition rate of dod ecylcyclohexane is very close to that of n-C-16, and comparison to lit erature data suggests that the activation energy is similar as well. T he decomposition rate of dodecylbenzene is about 4 times faster than o f n-C-16, and the activation energy may also be lower. This is consist ent with the dealkylation of aromatics to form additional saturates as being a significant reaction during the early stages of oil maturatio n. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.