Participation of acidic sites on catalyst in hydrodenitrogenation of quinoline

Quinoline, tetra- and deca-hydroquinolines, o-propylaniline, and 2-methylcy clohexylamine were allowed to react under hydrogen over the catalysts conta ining nickel with different acidic properties to elucidate the role of acid ic sites in hydrodenitrogenation of quinoline. The acidic properties were m easured by temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia. The step in which the acidic sites participate is the cleavage of the C-N bond connecting NH2 group to cyclohexyl ring. This step is the final step in hydrodenitrogenat ion of quinoline to form hydrocarbons and ammonia. A combination of metalli c components which promote hydrogenation and dehydrogenation with acidic si tes which cleave the C-N bond is important for a highly active catalyst for hydrodenitrogenation. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.