A new method for preparing highly active unsupported Mo sulfide. Catalytic activity for hydrogenolysis of 4-(1-naphthylmethyl)bibenzyl

This paper reports on the catalytic activity of unsupported Mo sulfide (MoS₂ like) catalysts which were prepared by a new and simple method comprised of decomposing ammonium tetrathiomolybdate (ATTM) in an organic solvent with added water under H₂ pressure. Model compound reactions of 4-(1-naphthylmethyl)bibenzyl (NMBB) were carried out at 350-425°C under H₂ pressure in order to examine the activity of the Mo sulfide catalysts generated from ATTM with and without added water for C-C bond cleavage and hydrogenation of aromatic ring. The Mo sulfide catalysts generated from ATTM with added water were much more effective for C-C bond cleavage and hydrogenation of aromatic moieties at 350-425°C than those from ATTM alone. Two-step tests revealed that the addition of water is effective for generating highly active Mo sulfide catalyst from ATTM, but water itself does not promote catalytic conversion. Removal of water after the decomposition of ATTM with added water at 350-400°C under H₂ pressure by hot purging gives highly active Mo sulfide catalyst. These results demonstrate that we have found a new and simple method for preparing highly active, dispersed (unsupported) Mo sulfide catalysts for hydroprocessing.