Adsorption and reactions of butyl species over Mo2C catalyst

Abstract The adsorption and reactions of butyl iodide on Mo 2 C/ZSM-5 and Mo 2 C/SiO 2 have been investigated by means of FTIR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Adsorption bands were observed following the adsorption of butyl iodide at 200–230 K that corresponds well to the vibrations of molecularly adsorbed C 4 H 9 I. At higher adsorption temperatures, bands due to the adsorbed butene and butylidyne also appeared. From the comparison of the adsorption and desorption characteristics determined on pure and Mo 2 C-containing ZSM-5, it was concluded that the majority of butyl iodide is attached to ZSM-5. The presence of Mo 2 C on ZSM-5 and SiO 2 , however, enhanced the rate of the decomposition, promoted the coupling of butyl species and catalyzed the formation of xylene and benzene. It was assumed that Mo 2 C interacting with the acidic sites of the support is the active center for the latter processes.