Catalytic roles of iron and hydrogen sulphide on hydrogenation of coal

Washed Samla coal was hydrogenated in batches, with and without added sulphur in the presence and absence of hydrated iron oxide as a catalyst, for 3 h at 400 °C under 21.6 MPa hydrogen pressure. Further, hydrogenation of the same coal was studied with varying amounts of hydrated iron oxide in the presence of tar oil as vehicle, keeping the quantity of added sulphur unaltered, at 450 °C under 24.5 MPa pressure for 1.5 h. Comparative roles of iron and H₂S in the catalytic hydrogenation of coal are suggested from the experimental results.