Catalytic activity of birch charcoal in the dehydrogenation of cyclohexane

Summary

• 1. An investigation was made of the catalytic activity of birch charcoal in the dehydrogenation of cyclohexane to benzene at 600° in the course of the prolonged working of the catalyst. It was found that after 33 hr of work the dehydrogenating activity of the charcoal fell to about 50% of its initial activity. As by-products we then obtained small amounts of methylcyclopentane, cyclohexene, and C₆ alkanes, the contents of which rose as the catalyst became inactivated for the dehydrogenation of cyclohexane.

• 2. Regeneration of the activated birch charcoal with steam or by oxidation with a feeble current of air at the temperature of the experiment led to the recovery of its initial activity.