Interaction of hydrogen and n-pentane with sulfated zirconia

Interaction of hydrogen with sulfated zirconia catalysts was studied in sit u at 473 K. Interaction of hydrogen with the sample evacuated at 673 K lead s to the formation of new hydroxyl groups (wide bands near 3330 cm(-1)) and water (1620 cm(-1)). In the case of the sample evacuated at 873 K, SOH gro ups (3660 cm(-1)) and zirconium hydrides (1555 cm(-1)) form. Adsorption of n-pentane on sulfated zirconia catalysts in the range of 253-383 K was stud ied. It was shown that hydrides and protonated cyclopentadienes form at low temperatures. At higher temperatures, aromatic compounds are formed mainly . The reaction mechanism is discussed.