Abstract: The kinetics and mechanism of the thermolysis of tetralin, commonly used as a hydrogen donor in coal liquefaction, was studied under about 100 atm and within 385—485 ℃. Analysis of the products was carried out by G.C.with glass capillary column and F.I.D., G.C.-M.S., N.M.R.. The reaction was performed in a microreactor which was contructed by a small stainless steel tube. Dehydrogenation of tetralin to naphthylene and isomerization to l-methylindan were found to be dominate paths, while cracking of the C_B—C bound of tetralin to butyl benzene is subordinated. The small quantities of indan, toluene and ethylbenzene are believed to be derived from the further thermolysis of methyl indan and butylbenzene.
A detailed kinetic analysis was given and the kinetic parameters were obtained. Combined with the thermokinetics calculations, a mechanism of the tetralin thermolysis was suggested.