Ring opening of decalin and methylcyclohexane over alumina-based monofunctional WO3/Al2O3 and Ir/Al2O3 catalysts

Ring-opening reactions of decalin and MCH were studied over monofunctional acid (WO3/Al2O3) and metal (Ir/Al2O3) catalysts containing, respectively, up to 5.3 at. W/nm2 and 1.8 wt% Ir. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, low-temperature CO adsorption followed by infrared spectroscopy, and H2 chemisorption. A reaction network was proposed for both molecules and used to determine the kinetic parameters. Kinetic modeling allowed relating characterization results and catalytic performance. For WO3/Al2O3 catalysts, ring contraction precedes ring opening of both molecules. The evolution of ring contraction activity was consistent with the development of relatively strong Brønsted acid sites. Ring opening occurs according to a classic acid mechanism. For Ir/Al2O3 catalysts, only direct ring opening was observed. Ring opening proceeds mostly via dicarbene mechanism. Analysis of products indicated that monofunctional metal catalysts are better suited than acid solids for upgrading LCO.