Iron compounds and iron catalysts: Activity in reactions relevant to direct coal liquefaction

Abstract The catalytic activity of various iron compounds was studied using a model compound, 4-(1-naphthylmethyl)bibenzyl, which exhibits distinct decomposition patterns for radical, ion-radical or acidic environments. It was found that selective carbon cleavage takes place when dry iron compounds such as iron (III) oxide, sulfated iron oxides or FeOOH are used in the presence of sulfur. Acidic sites of the Bronsted type become active when the sulfated iron oxides are reacted in the presence of small amounts of water. Also, acidic activity can be induced in mixtures of iron (III) oxides with sulfur when heated in the presence of small amounts of water.