Comparison of acid- to metal-catalysed conversion of n-decane and cyclodecane on ZSM-5 and faujasite-type zeolites

The metal-catalysed and bifunctional mechanisms for the conversion of n-decane and cyclodecane are reviewed. It is also shown experimentally that the selectivities of both mechanisms can be manipulated by supporting the catalytic functions on zeolites. As an example, the selectivities obtained in a flow reactor using the feedstock molecules mentioned are discussed. Typical samples have been prepared, i.e. Al-free silicalite and totally dealuminated Y-zeolite, as well as high silica-alumina ZSM-5 and ultrastable Y-zeolite. Platinum incorporation via specific methods gives finely dispersed metal on an inert support for the first two materials or on a low-acidity support for the latter two zeolites.