Hydrogenation and Hydrogenolysis of Olefins with Hydrogen Sulfide over Sulfided Molybdena-Alumina Catalyst

The catalytic reactions of ethylene, propylene and 1, 3-butadiene with hydrogen sulfide over sulfided molybdena-alumina catalyst were examined using a closed circulation system. The hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis of ethylene and propylene proceeded in the reaction with hydrogen sulfide at 400°C. In the reaction of 1, 3-butadiene with hydrogen sulfide at 200°C, the hydrogenation to form only butene isomers proceeded and the isomerization of formed butenes also occurred during the hydrogenation reaction of 1, 3-butadiene. The results were interpreted in terms of hydrogen sulfide acting as hydrogen donating agent for these olefins.