Aqueous alkali depolymerization of coal with a quinone
AssigneeAir Products and Chemicals, Inc.
InventorsSwaminathan Sunder, Robert N. Miller
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Abstract
A process is set forth for depolymerizing coal in an aqueous alkaline medium in the presence of a quinone and a hydrogen atmosphere. The depolymerized solid product is significantly ethyl acetate soluble and can be extracted with ammonia under supercritical conditions.
Claims12
A process depolymerizing solid raw coal selected from the group of bituminous, sub-bituminous and lignite coal, by the treatment of the coal in an aqueous alkaline medium in the presence of a quinone selected from the group comprising alkali stable quinones at a temperature of 110.degree.-350.degree. C. and in a hydrogen atmosphere at a partial pressure in the range of 500 to 3000 psi to product a depolymerized solid coal product.
A process for depolymerizing solid raw lignite coal to produce a significant ethylacetate soluble product by the treatment of the coal in aqueous alkaline sodium hydroxide solution in the presence of anthraquinone and a hydrogen atmosphere and a temperature in the range of 110.degree.-350.degree. C. and a pressure of 500-3500 psig to produce a depolymerized solid coal product.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.