Thermische Hochdruckhydrogenolyse von 2-Methylnaphthalin

Abstract

In the high pressure hydrogenolysis at temperatures from 400 to 460 °C and pressures of up to 150 atm 2-methylnaphthalene is demethylated to naphthalene and hydrogenated to 2- and 6-methyltetralins, with predominant saturation of the unsubstituted aromatic ring. 

Hydrocracking of 6-methyltetralin proceeds exclusively by demethylation to tetralin; on the contrary 2-methyltetralin gives a-ring opening of the naphthenic ring and forms n-propyl-benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene and benzene. Of the two α-ring openings possible the one nearest to the methyl group is preferred at the higher temperatures.