Catalytic conversion of anisole and 4-methylanisole: Evidence of reaction networks, classes of chemistry, and kinetics

Abstract

Anisole and 4-methylanisole are compounds that are representative of bio-oils made by pyrolysis of biomass, especially lignin. Catalytic upgrading of bio-oils offers the prospect of major processes for fuels to replace fossil fuels. We report the conversions of each of these compounds in the presence of catalysts (including platinum supported on Al2O3), determining the catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability in operation in a once-through packed-bed flow reactor. On-line GC-TCD/FID and off-line GC-MS and GC-FID were used to analyze the major, minor, and even trace products. The data demonstrate the kinetically significant reaction classes, namely, transalkylation, hydrodeoxygentation, and hydrogenation. The data determine a reaction network for each of these conversions and the connections between them.