Catalytic conversion of Hevea brasiliensis and Virola sebifera oils to hydrocarbon fuels

Abstract

Catalytic hydrocracking of Hevea brasiliensis (Seringa) and Virola sebifera (Ucuuba) oils was carried out in the presence of a NiMo/Al2O3 catalyst sulfidized in situ with elemental sulfur at 360°C. The initial pressure of hydrogen was 140 bars. Conversions of nearly 100% of the vegetable oils were achieved. The compositions of the liquid fuels were studied in detail by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The main products were found to be alkanes, cycloalkanes, aromatics and carboxylic acids. © 1992, American Oil Chemists’ Society. All rights reserved.