The stability of the ether bond affects coal dissolution during direct coal liquefaction. There is a significant body of literature on ether thermolysis, yet, calorimetric data on pure compound ether thermolysis is rather limited. A calorimetric investigation of the thermolysis of ether bonds relevant to coal liquefaction was undertaken. It was found that diphenyl ether is stable up to 450 �C (at least for 5 min). Benzyl phenyl ether and dibenzyl ether decomposed at 357 and 420 �C respectively. These temperatures are higher than that reported in literature for decomposition in a solvent. The decomposition mechanisms are different. Benzyl phenyl ether decomposition is a free radical process followed by various free radical recombination reactions (main addition products are diphenylmethane and benzophenone). Dibenzyl ether involved a concerted decomposition with limited free radical formation and subsequent formation of addition products.

Thermolysis of ether bonds relevant to coal

245th National Meeting (2013)

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