CYCLIC C ₅ COMPOUNDS AND CATALYST COMPOSITION FOR USE THEREIN

INVENTOR(s); Larry L. Iaccino, Jeremy W. Bedard, Wenyih F. Lai, Christopher M. Evans, and Jane Chi-ya Cheng

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This invention claims priority to and the benefit of USSN 62/250,688, filed November 4, 2015, and EP application 16153722.0, filed February 2, 2016.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to a process for the conversion of acyclic Cs feedstock to a product comprising cyclic Cs compounds, such as for example, cyclopentadiene, and catalyst compositions for use in such process.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Cyclopentadiene (CPD) and its dimer di cyclopentadiene (DCPD) are highly desired raw materials used throughout the chemical industry in a wide range of products such as polymeric materials, polyester resins, synthetic rubbers, solvents, fuels, fuel additives, etc. In addition, cyclopentane and cyclopentene are useful as solvents, and cyclopentene may be used as a monomer to produce polymers and as a starting material for other high value chemicals.

[0004] Cyclopentadiene (CPD) is currently a minor byproduct of liquid fed steam cracking (for example, naphtha and heavier feed). As existing and new steam cracking facilities shift to lighter feeds, less CPD is produced while demand for CPD is rising. High cost due to supply limitations impacts the potential end product use of CPD in polymers. More CPD-based polymer products and other high value products could be produced, if additional CPD could be produced, at unconstrained rates and preferably at a cost lower than recovery from steam cracking. Cyclopentane and cyclopentene also have high value as solvents while cyclopentene may be used as a comonomer to produce polymers and as a starting material for other high value chemicals.

[0005] It would be advantageous to be able to produce cyclic Cs compounds, such as for example, CPD as the primary product from plentiful Cs feedstock using a catalyst system to produce CPD while minimizing production of light (C _4- ) byproducts. While lower hydrogen content feedstock (for example, cyclics, alkenes, dialkenes) may be preferred because the reaction endotherm is reduced and thermodynamic constraints on conversion are improved, non-saturates are more expensive than saturate feedstock. Linear Cs skeletal structure is preferred over branched C5 skeletal structures due to both reaction chemistry and the lower value of linear C5 relative to branched C5 (due to octane differences). An abundance of C5 is available from unconventional gas and shale oil, as well as reduced use in motor fuels due to stringent fuel regulations. C5 feedstock may also be derived from bio-feeds.

[0006] Dehydrogenation technologies are currently used to produce mono-olefins and di- olefins from C3 and C4 alkanes, but not cyclic mono-olefins or cyclic di-olefins. A typical process uses Pt/Sn supported on alumina as the active catalyst. Another useful process uses chromia on alumina. See, B. V. Vora, "Development of Dehydrogenation Catalysts and Processes," Topics in Catalysis, vol. 55, pp. 1297-1308, 2012; and J. C. Bricker, "Advanced Catalytic Dehydrogenation Technologies for Production of Olefins," Topics in Catalysis, vol. 55, pp. 1309-1314, 2012.

[0007] Still another common process uses Pt Sn supported on Zn and/or Ca aluminate to dehydrogenate propane. While these processes are successful in dehydrogenating alkanes, they do not perform cyclization, which is critical to producing CPD. Pt-Sn/alumina and Pt- Sn/aluminate catalysts exhibit moderate conversion of n-pentane, but such catalyst have poor selectivity and yield to cyclic C5 products.

[0008] Pt supported on chlorided alumina catalysts are used to reform low octane naphtha to aromatics such as benzene and toluene. See, US 3,953,368 (Sinfelt), "Polymetallic Cluster Compositions Useful as Hydrocarbon Conversion Catalysts." While these catalysts are effective in dehydrogenating and cyclizing Ce and higher alkanes to form Ce aromatic rings, they are less effective in converting acyclic Css to cyclic Css. These Pt on chlorided alumina catalysts exhibit low yields of cyclic C5 and exhibit deactivation within the first two hours of time on stream. Cyclization of Ce and C7 alkanes is aided by the formation of an aromatic ring, which does not occur in C5 cyclization. This effect may be due in part to the much higher heat of formation for CPD, a cyclic C5, as compared to benzene, a cyclic Ce, and toluene, a cyclic C7. This is also exhibited by Pt/Ir and Pt/Sn supported on chlorided alumina. Although these alumina catalysts perform both dehydrogenation and cyclization of C6+ species to form Ce aromatic rings, a different catalyst will be needed to convert acyclic C5 to cyclic C5.

[0009] Ga-containing ZSM-5 catalysts are used in a process to produce aromatics from light paraffins. A study by Kanazirev et al. showed n-pentane is readily converted over Ga203/H-ZSM-5. See Kanazirev et al, "Conversion of Cs aromatics and n-pentane over Ga2Cb/H-ZSM-5 mechanically mixed catalysts," Catalysis Letters, vol. 9, pp. 35-42, 1991. No production of cyclic C5 was reported while upwards of 6 wt% aromatics were produced at 440°C and 1.8 h ^"1 WHSV. Mo/ZSM-5 catalysts have also been shown to dehydrogenate and/or cyclize paraffins, especially methane. See, Y. Xu, S. Liu, X. Guo, L. Wang, and M. Xie, "Methane activation without using oxidants over Mo/HZSM-5 zeolite catalysts," Catalysis Letters, vol. 30, pp. 135-149, 1994. High conversion of n-pentane using Mo/ZSM- 5 was demonstrated with no production of cyclic C5 and high yield to cracking products. This shows that ZSM-5-based catalysts can convert paraffins to a Ce ring, but not necessarily to produce a C5 ring.

[0010] US 5,254,787 (Dessau) introduced the NU-87 catalyst used in the dehydrogenation of paraffins. This catalyst was shown to dehydrogenate C2-5 and C6+ to produce their unsaturated analogs. A distinction between C2-5 and C6+ alkanes was made explicit in this patent: dehydrogenation of C2-5 alkanes produced linear or branched mono- olefins or di-olefins whereas dehydrogenation of C6+ alkanes yielded aromatics. US 5, 192,728 (Dessau) involves similar chemistry, but with a tin-containing crystalline microporous material. As with the NU-87 catalyst, C5 dehydrogenation was only shown to produce linear or branched, mono-olefins or di-olefins and not CPD.

[0011] US 5,284,986 (Dessau) introduced a dual-stage process for the production of cyclopentane and cyclopentene from n-pentane. An example was conducted wherein the first stage involved dehydrogenation and dehydrocyclization of n-pentane to a mix of paraffins, mono-olefins and di-olefins, and naphthenes over a Pt/Sn-ZSM-5 catalyst. This mixture was then introduced to a second-stage reactor consisting of Pd/Sn-ZSM-5 catalyst where dienes, especially CPD, were converted to olefins and saturates. Cyclopentene was the desired product in this process, whereas CPD was an unwanted byproduct.

[0012] US 2,438,398; US 2,438,399; US 2,438,400; US 2,438,401 ; US 2,438,402; US 2,438,403; and US 2,438,404 (Kennedy) disclosed production of CPD from 1,3- pentadiene over various catalysts. Low operating pressures, low per pass conversion, and low selectivity make this process undesirable. Additionally, 1,3-pentadiene is not a readily available feedstock, unlike n-pentane. See also, Kennedy et al., "Formation of Cyclopentadiene from 1,3-Pentadiene," Industrial & Engineering Chemistry, vol. 42, pp. 547- 552, 1950.

[0013] Fel'dblyum et al. in "Cyclization and dehydrocyclization of C5 hydrocarbons over platinum nanocatalysts and in the presence of hydrogen sulfide," Doklady Chemistry, vol. 424, pp. 27-30, 2009, reported production of CPD from 1 ,3-pentadiene, n-pentene, and n- pentane. Yields to CPD were as high as 53%, 35%, and 21% for the conversion of 1 ,3- pentadiene, n-pentene, and n-pentane respectively at 600°C on 2%Pt/Si02. While initial production of CPD was observed, drastic catalyst deactivation within the first minutes of the reaction was observed. Experiments conducted on Pt-containing silica show moderate conversion of n-pentane over Pt-Sn/SiC , but with poor selectivity and yield to cyclic C5 products. The use of H2S as a 1,3-pentadiene cyclization promoter was presented by Fel'dblyum, infra, as well as in Marcinkowski, "Isomerization and Dehydrogenation of 1,3- Pentadiene," M.S., University of Central Florida, 1977. Marcinkowski showed 80% conversion of 1,3,-pentadiene with 80% selectivity to CPD with H2S at 700°C. High temperature, limited feedstock, and potential of products containing sulfur that would later need scrubbing make this process undesirable.

[0014] Lopez et al. in "n-Pentane Hydroisomerization on Pt Containing HZSM-5, HBEA and SAPO-11," Catalysis Letters, vol. 122, pp. 267-273, 2008, studied reactions of n-pentane on Pt-containing zeolites including H-ZSM-5. At intermediate temperatures (250-400°C), they reported efficient hydroisomerization of n-pentane on the Pt-zeolites with no discussion of cyclopentenes formation. It is desirable to avoid this deleterious chemistry as branched C5 do not produce cyclic C5 as efficiently as linear C5, as discussed above.

[0015] Li et al. in "Catalytic dehydroisomerization of n-alkanes to isoalkenes," Journal of Catalysis, vol. 255, pp. 134-137, 2008, also studied n-pentane dehydrogenation on Pt- containing zeolites in which Al had been isomorphically substituted with Fe. These Pt/[Fe]ZSM-5 catalysts were efficient dehydrogenating and isomerizing n-pentane, but under the reaction conditions used, no cyclic C5 were produced and undesirable skeletal isomerization occurred.

[0016] In view of this state of the art, there remains a need for a process to convert acyclic C5 feedstock to non-aromatic, cyclic C5 hydrocarbon, particularly CPD, preferably at commercial rates and conditions. Further, there is a need for a catalytic process targeted for the production of cyclopentadiene which generates cyclopentadiene in high yield from plentiful C5 feedstocks without excessive production of C4- cracked products and with acceptable catalyst aging properties. This invention meets this and other needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] In a first aspect, the invention relates to a process for conversion of an acyclic C5 feedstock to a product comprising cyclic C5 compounds. This process comprising the steps of contacting said feedstock and, optionally, hydrogen under acyclic C5 conversion conditions in the presence of a catalyst composition of this invention to form said product.

[0018] In a second aspect, the invention relates to a catalyst composition for use in the acyclic C5 conversion process. This catalyst composition comprising a microporous crystalline ferrosilicate comprising a Group 10 metal, and, optionally, a Group 11 metal, in combination with an optional Group 1 alkali metal and/or an optional Group 2 alkaline earth metal. Useful microporous crystalline metallosilicate (including microporous ferrosilicates) have framework types that may be selected from the group consisting of MWW, MFI, LTL, MOR, BEA, TON, MTW, MTT, FER, MRE, MFS, MEL, DDR, EUO, and FAU.

[0019] The Group 10 metal is preferably, platinum, and more preferably in the amount of at least 0.005 wt%, based on the weight of the catalyst composition. The Group 11 metal is preferably copper or silver. The Group 1 alkali metal is preferably sodium.

[0020] The microporous crystalline ferrosilicate has a S1O2/AI2O3 molar ratio greater than about 25, preferably in the range of from about 50 up to about 1,000.

[0021] The microporous crystalline ferrosilicate has a Si/Fe molar ratio greater than about 25, preferably in the range of from about 50 up to about 1200.

[0022] The catalyst composition has an Alpha Value (as measured prior to the addition of the Group 10 metal, preferably, platinum, and/or prior to the addition of the optional Group 11 metal, preferably, copper or silver) of less than about 25, or in the range of about 1 to about 25.

[0023] The Group 11 metal content of said catalyst composition is at least 0.01 molar ratio to the Group 10 metal, based on the molar quantities of each in the catalyst composition.

[0024] The molar ratio of said Group 1 alkali metal to Al is at least 1, and/or the molar ratio of said Group 2 alkaline earth metal to Al is at least 1.

[0025] The molar ratio of said Group 1 alkali metal to Al plus Fe is at least 0.1, and/or the molar ratio of said Group 2 alkaline earth metal to Al plus Fe is at least 0.1.

[0026] The said catalyst composition provides at least one of (i) a conversion of at least about 40%, and/or (ii) a carbon selectivity to cyclopentadiene of at least about 30% of an n- pentane feedstock with equimolar H2 under acyclic C5 conversion conditions of a temperature in the range of about 550°C to about 600°C, an n-pentane partial pressure between 3 psia and 30 psia at the reactor inlet (21 to 207 kPa-a), such as between 3 psia and 10 psia (21 to 69 kPa-a), and an n-pentane weight hourly space velocity between 5 and 20 hr ¹ , such as between 10 and 20 hr ¹ .

[0027] In a third aspect, the invention relates to a method of making the catalyst composition. The method of making the catalyst composition comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a microporous crystalline ferrosilicate comprising a Group 1 alkali metal and/or a Group 2 alkaline earth metal; (b) heating said microporous crystalline ferrosilicate in one or more steps to a first temperature of about 450°C or above in an atmosphere which comprises an inert gas;

(c) adding oxygen to said atmosphere until the oxygen concentration in said atmosphere is up to about 20% and then cooling said microporous crystalline ferrosilicate; and

(d) contacting said cooled microporous crystalline ferrosilicate of step (c) with a source of a Group 10 metal, and/or, optionally, a Group 11 metal, to form said catalyst composition, whereby said catalyst composition having said Group 10 metal and/or said Group 11 metal deposited thereon. The amount deposited of said Group 10 metal is at least 0.005 wt%, based on the weight of the catalyst composition.

[0028] In a fourth aspect, the invention relates to a catalyst composition made by any one of the methods of this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0029] Figure 1 shows an X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of the as-synthesized material produced in Example 1.

[0030] Figure 2 shows a scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of the as- synthesized material produced in Example 1.

[0031] Figures 3A and 3B show the yield of cyclic Cs at varying temperatures before and after hydrogen treatment resulting from the catalyst composition performance evaluation of Example 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Definitions

[0032] For the purpose of this specification and appended claims, the following terms are defined.

[0033] The term "saturates" includes, but is not limited to, alkanes and cycloalkanes.

[0034] The term "non-saturates" includes, but is not limited to, alkenes, dialkenes, alkynes, cyclo-alkenes and cyclo-dialkenes.

[0035] The term "cyclic C5" or "cCs" includes, but is not limited to, cyclopentane, cyclopentene, cyclopentadiene, and mixtures of two or more thereof. The term "cyclic C5" or "cCs" also includes alkylated analogs of any of the foregoing, e.g., methyl cyclopentane, methyl cyclopentene, and methyl cyclopentadiene. It should be recognized for purposes of the invention that cyclopentadiene spontaneously dimerizes over time to form dicyclopentadiene via Diels-Alder condensation over a range of conditions, including ambient temperature and pressure. [0036] The term "acyclic" includes, but is not limited to, linear and branched saturates and non-saturates.

[0037] The term "aromatic" means a planar cyclic hydrocarbyl with conjugated double bonds, such as, for example, benzene. As used herein, the term aromatic encompasses compounds containing one or more aromatic rings, including, but not limited to, benzene, toluene and xylene, and polynuclear aromatics (PNAs), which include, but are not limited to, naphthalene, anthracene, chrysene, and their alkylated versions. The term "C6+ aromatics" includes compounds based upon an aromatic ring having six or more ring atoms, including, but not limited to, benzene, toluene, and xylene and polynuclear aromatics (PNAs), which include, but are not limited to, naphthalene, anthracene, chrysene, and their alkylated versions.

[0038] The term "BTX" includes, but is not limited to, a mixture of benzene, toluene, and xylene (ortho and/or meta and/or para).

[0039] The term "coke" includes, but is not limited to, a low hydrogen content hydrocarbon that is adsorbed on the catalyst composition.

[0040] The term "Cn" means hydrocarbon(s) having n carbon atom(s) per molecule, wherein n is a positive integer.

[0041] The term "Cn+" means hydrocarbon(s) having at least n carbon atom(s) per molecule.

[0042] The term "Cn-" means hydrocarbon(s) having no more than n carbon atom(s) per molecule.

[0043] The term "hydrocarbon" means a class of compounds containing hydrogen bound to carbon, and encompasses (i) saturated hydrocarbon compounds, (ii) unsaturated hydrocarbon compounds, and (iii) mixtures of hydrocarbon compounds (saturated and/or unsaturated), including mixtures of hydrocarbon compounds having different values of n.

[0044] The term "Cs feedstock" includes a feedstock containing n-pentane, such as, for example, a feedstock which is predominately normal pentane and isopentane (also referred to as methylbutane), with smaller fractions of cyclopentane and neopentane (also referred to as 2,2-dimethylpropane).

[0045] All numbers and references to the Periodic Table of Elements are based on the new notation as set out in Chemical and Engineering News, 63(5), 27 (1985), unless otherwise specified.

[0046] The term "Group 10 metal" means an element in Group 10 of the Periodic Table and includes, but is not limited to, nickel, palladium, and platinum. [0047] The term "Group 1 alkali metal" means an element in Group 1 of the Periodic Table and includes, but is not limited to, lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, caesium, and a mixture of two or more thereof, and excludes hydrogen.

[0048] The term "Group 2 alkaline earth metal" means an element in Group 2 of the Periodic Table and includes, but is not limited to, beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, and a mixture of two or more thereof.

[0049] The term "Group 11 metal" means an element in Group 11 of the Periodic Table and includes, but is not limited to, copper, silver, gold, and a mixture of two or more thereof.

[0050] The term "constraint index" is defined in US 3,972,832 and US 4,016,218, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0051] As used herein, the term "molecular sieve of the MCM-22 family" (or "material of the MCM-22 family" or "MCM-22 family material" or "MCM-22 family zeolite") includes one or more of:

molecular sieves made from a common first degree crystalline building block unit cell, which unit cell has the MWW framework topology. (A unit cell is a spatial arrangement of atoms, which if tiled in three-dimensional space describes the crystal structure. Such crystal structures are discussed in the "Atlas of Zeolite Framework Types," Fifth edition, 2001, the entire content of which is incorporated as reference);

molecular sieves made from a common second degree building block, being a 2- dimensional tiling of such MWW framework topology unit cells, forming a monolayer of one unit cell thickness, preferably one c-unit cell thickness;

molecular sieves made from common second degree building blocks, being layers of one or more than one unit cell thickness, wherein the layer of more than one unit cell thickness is made from stacking, packing, or binding at least two monolayers of one unit cell thickness. The stacking of such second degree building blocks may be in a regular fashion, an irregular fashion, a random fashion, or any combination thereof; and

molecular sieves made by any regular or random 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional combination of unit cells having the MWW framework topology.

[0052] The MCM-22 family includes those molecular sieves having an X-ray diffraction pattern including d-spacing maxima at 12.4±0.25, 6.9±0.15, 3.57±0.07, and 3.42±0.07 Angstrom. The X-ray diffraction data used to characterize the material are obtained by standard techniques using the K-alpha doublet of copper as incident radiation and a diffractometer equipped with a scintillation counter and associated computer as the collection system. [0053] As used herein, the term "molecular sieve" is used synonymously with the term microporous crystalline material or "zeolite."

[0054] As used herein, the term "carbon selectivity" means the moles of carbon in the respective cyclic Cs, CPD, Ci, and C2-4 formed divided by total moles of carbon in the pentane converted. The term "carbon selectivity to cyclic C5 of at least 30%" means that at least 30 moles of carbon in the cyclic C5 is formed per 100 moles of carbon in the pentane converted.

[0055] As used herein, the term "conversion" means the moles of carbon in the acyclic C5 feedstock that is converted to a product. The term "conversion of at least 40% of said acyclic C5 feedstock to a product" means that at least 40% of the moles of said acyclic C5 feedstock was converted to a product.

[0056] As used herein, the term "ferrosilicate" means an iron-containing microporous crystalline structure that contains iron in the framework structure and/or in the channel system.

[0057] As used herein, the term [Fe]-ZSM-5 means a ferrosilicate having a MFI framework structure type.

[0058] For the purpose of this invention, ferrosilicates and metallosilicates are defined as microporous crystalline metallosilicates, such as microporous crystalline aluminosilicates, microporous crystalline ferrosilicates, or other metal containing microporous crystalline silicates (such as those where the metal or metal containing compound is dispersed within the crystalline silicate structure and may or may not be a part of the crystalline framework. Microporous crystalline metallosilicate (including microporous ferrosilicates) framework types include, but are not limited to, or are selected from the group consisting of MWW, MFI, LTL, MOR, BEA, TON, MTW, MTT, FER, MRE, MFS, MEL, DDR, EUO, FAU, and a combination of two or more thereof. It is recognized that the ferrosilicate may also contain small quantities of other metallosilicates; most notably, aluminosilicates. The microporous crystalline metallosilicates preferably have a constraint index of less than 12, alternately from 1 to 12, alternately from 3 to 12.

[0059] As used herein, the term "Alpha Value" is used as a measure of the cracking activity of a catalyst and is described in US 3,354,078 and in the Journal of Catalysis, vol. 4, p. 527 (1965); vol. 6, p. 278 (1966) and vol. 61, p. 395 (1980), each incorporated herein by reference. The experimental conditions of the test used herein included a constant temperature of 538°C and a variable flow rate as described in detail in the Journal of Catalysis, vol. 61, p. 395 (1980). [0060] As used herein, the term "reactor" refers to any vessel(s) in which a chemical reaction occurs. Reactor includes both distinct reactors, as well as reaction zones within a single reactor apparatus and as applicable, reactions zones across multiple reactors. For example, a single reactor may have multiple reaction zones. Where the description refers to a first and second reactor, the person of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize such reference includes two reactors, as well as a single reactor vessel having first and second reaction zones. Likewise, a first reactor effluent and a second reactor effluent will be recognized to include the effluent from the first reaction zone and the second reaction zone of a single reactor, respectively.

Feedstock

[0061] A cyclic Cs feedstock useful herein is obtainable from crude oil or natural gas condensate, and can include cracked Cs (in various degrees of unsaturation: alkenes, dialkenes, alkynes) produced by refining and chemical processes, such as fluid catalytic cracking (FCC), reforming, hydrocracking, hydrotreating, coking, and steam cracking.

[0062] The acyclic Cs feedstock useful in the process of this invention comprises pentane, pentene, pentadiene and mixtures of two or more thereof. Preferably, the acyclic Cs feedstock comprises at least about 50 wt%, or 60 wt%, or 75 wt%, or 90 wt% n-pentane, or in the range from about 50 wt% to about 100 wt% n-pentane.

[0063] The acyclic Cs feedstock, optionally, does not comprise Ce aromatic compounds, such as benzene, preferably Ce aromatic compounds are present at less than 5 wt%, preferably less than 1 wt%, preferably present at less than 0.01 wt%, preferably at 0 wt%.

[0064] The acyclic Cs feedstock, optionally, does not comprise benzene, toluene, or xylene (ortho, meta or para), preferably the benzene, toluene, or xylene (ortho, meta or para) compounds are present at less than 5 wt%, preferably less than 1 wt%, preferably present at less than 0.01 wt%, preferably at 0 wt%.

[0065] The acyclic Cs feedstock, optionally, does not comprise C6+ aromatic compounds, preferably C6+ aromatic compounds are present at less than 5 wt%, preferably less than 1 wt%, preferably present at less than 0.01 wt%, preferably at 0 wt%.

[0066] The acyclic Cs feedstock, optionally, does not comprise C _4- compounds, any C _4- compounds are present at less than 5 wt%, preferably less than 1 wt%, preferably present at less than 0.01 wt%, preferably at 0 wt%.

Acyclic Cs Conversion Process

[0067] The first aspect of the invention is a process for conversion of an acyclic C5 feedstock to a product comprising cyclic C5 compounds. The process comprising the steps of contacting said feedstock and, optionally, hydrogen under acyclic C5 conversion conditions in the presence of any one of the catalyst compositions of this invention to form said product. The catalyst composition comprises a microporous crystalline ferrosilicate, a Group 10 metal and/or, optionally, a Group 11 metal, in combination with an optional Group 1 alkali metal and/or an optional Group 2 alkaline earth metal. The catalyst composition may have a constraint index in the range of from about 1 to about 12.

[0068] The first aspect of the invention is also a process for conversion of an acyclic C5 feedstock to a product comprising cyclic C5 compounds, the process comprising the steps of contacting said feedstock and, optionally, hydrogen under acyclic C5 conversion conditions in the presence of any one of the catalyst compositions made by any one of the methods of this invention to form said product.

[0069] In the present invention, the acyclic C5 hydrocarbon(s) contained in the C5 feedstock is fed into a first reactor loaded with a catalyst, where the acyclic C5 hydrocarbons contact the catalyst under conversion conditions, whereupon at least a portion of the acyclic C5 hydrocarbon(s) molecules are converted into CPD molecules, and a reaction product containing CPD and, optionally, other cyclic hydrocarbons (e.g., C5 cyclic hydrocarbons such as cyclopentane and cyclopentene) exits the first reactor as a first reactor hydrocarbon effluent. Preferably, a hydrogen co-feedstock comprising hydrogen and, optionally, light hydrocarbons, such as C1-C4 hydrocarbons, is also fed into the first reactor (as described in USSN 62/250,702, filed November 4, 2015). Preferably, at least a portion of the hydrogen co-feedstock is admixed with the C5 feedstock prior to being fed into the first reactor. The presence of hydrogen in the feed mixture at the inlet location, where the feed first comes into contact with the catalyst, prevents or reduces the formation of coke on the catalyst particles. The product of the process for conversion of an acyclic C5 feedstock comprises cyclic C5 compounds. The cyclic C5 compounds comprise one or more of cyclopentane, cyclopentene, cyclopentadiene, and includes mixtures thereof. The cyclic C5 compounds comprise at least about 20 wt%, or

30 wt%, or 40 wt%, or 50 wt% cyclopentadiene, or in the range of from about 10 wt% to about 80 wt%, alternately from about 20 wt% to about 70 wt% of cyclopentadiene.

[0070] The acyclic C5 conversion conditions include at least a temperature, a partial pressure, and a weight hourly space velocity (WHSV). The temperature is in the range of about 400°C to about 700°C, or in the range from about 500°C to about 650°C, preferably, in the range from about 500°C to about 600°C. [0071] The partial pressure is in the range of about 3 to about 100 psi (21 to 689 kPa-a), or in the range from about 3 to about 50 psi (21 to 345 kPa-a), preferably, in the range from about 3 to about 20 psi (21 to 138 kPa-a). The weight hourly space velocity is in the range from about 1 hr ¹ to about 50 hr ¹ , or in the range from about 1 hr ^"1 to about 20 hr ^"1 . Such conditions include a molar ratio of the optional hydrogen co-feed to the acyclic Cs hydrocarbon in the range of about 0 to 3 (e.g., 0.01 to 3.0), or in the range from about 0.5 to about 2. Such conditions may also include co-feeding Ci - C4 hydrocarbons with the acyclic C ₅ feed.

[0072] This invention relates to a process for conversion of n-pentane to cyclopentadiene comprising the steps of contacting n-pentane and, optionally, hydrogen (if present, typically H2 is present at a ratio to n-pentane of 0.01 to 3.0) with any one of the catalyst compositions of this invention to form cyclopentadiene at a temperature of 450°C to 650°C, a partial pressure of 3 to about 100 psia, and a weight hourly space velocity of 1 hr ¹ to about 50 hr ¹ .

[0073] In any embodiment, this invention relates to a process for conversion of n-pentane to cyclopentadiene comprising the steps of contacting n-pentane and, optionally, hydrogen (if present, typically H2 is present at a molar ratio of hydrogen to n-pentane of 0.01 to 3.0) with one or more catalyst compositions, including but not limited to the catalyst compositions described herein, to form cyclopentadiene at a temperature of 400°C to 700°C, a partial pressure of 3 psia to about 100 psia at the reactor inlet (21 to 689 kPa-a), and a weight hourly space velocity of 1 hr ¹ to about 50 hr ¹ .

[0074] In the presence of the catalyst, a number of desired and undesirable side reactions may take place. The net effect of the reactions is the production of hydrogen and the increase of total volume (assuming constant total pressure). One particularly desired overall reaction (i.e., intermediate reaction steps are not shown) is:

n-pentane - CPD + 3H ₂ .

[0075] Additional overall reactions include, but are not limited to:

n-pentane - 1 ,3-pentadiene + 2H2,

n-pentane -> 1 -pentene + H2,

n-pentane - 2-pentene + H2,

n-pentane - 2-methyl-2-butene + H2,

n-pentane -> cyclopentane + H2,

cyclopentane - cyclopentene + H2, or

cyclopentene - CPD + H2. [0076] Fluids inside the first reactor are essentially in gas phase. At the outlet of the first reactor, a first reactor hydrocarbon effluent, preferably in gas phase, is obtained. The first reactor hydrocarbon effluent may comprise a mixture of the following hydrocarbons, among others: heavy components comprising more than 8 carbon atoms such as multiple-ring aromatics; Ce, Ci, and e hydrocarbons such as one-ring aromatics; CPD (the desired product); unreacted Cs feedstock material such as n-pentane; Cs by-products such as pentenes (1 -pentene, 2-pentene, e.g.), pentadienes (1,3-pentadiene; 1,4-pentadiene, e.g.), cyclopentane, cyclopentene, 2-methylbutane, 2-methyl-l-butene, 3-methyl-l -butene, 2-methyl-l,3- butadiene, 2,2-dimethylpropane, and the like; C4 by-products such as butane, 1 -butene, 2- butene, 1 ,3-butadiene, 2-methylpropane; 2-methyl-l-propene, and the like; C3 by-products such as propane, propene; and the like; C2 by-products such as ethane and ethene; methane; and hydrogen.

[0077] The first reactor hydrocarbon effluent may comprise CPD at a concentration of C(CPD)1 wt%, based on the total weight of the C5 hydrocarbons in the first reactor hydrocarbon effluent; and al< C(CPD)1 < a2, where al and a2 can be, independently, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 35, 36, 38, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, or 85 as long as al< a2.

[0078] The first reactor hydrocarbon effluent may comprise acyclic diolefins at a total concentration of C(ADO)l wt%, based on the total weight of the C5 hydrocarbons in the first reactor hydrocarbon effluent; and bl < C(ADO)l < b2, where bl and b2 can be, independently, 20, 18, 16, 15, 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 , or 0.5, as long as bl < b2. Preferably, 0.5≤ C(ADO)≤ 10.

[0079] As a result of the use of the catalyst and the choice of reaction conditions in the first reactor, a high CPD to acyclic diolefin molar ratio in the first reactor hydrocarbon effluent can be achieved such that C(CPD)l/C(ADO)l > 1.5, preferably 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, 2.2, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.8, 3.0, 3.2, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.8, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0, 8.0, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, or 20. The high ratio of C(CPD)l/C(ADO)l significantly reduces CPD loss as a result of Diels-Alder reactions between CPD and acyclic dienes in subsequent processing steps, and therefore, allows the processes of the present invention to achieve high DCPD yield and high DCPD purity for the subsequently produced DCPD fractions.

[0080] Desirably, the total absolute pressure and temperature of the first reactor hydrocarbon effluent should be maintained at levels such that the dimerization of CPD to form DCPD is substantially avoided, and the Diels-Alder reactions between CPD and acyclic dienes are substantially inhibited. [0081] Because the overall conversion from acyclic C5 hydrocarbons to CPD and hydrogen results in substantial volume increase (assuming constant total system pressure), a low partial pressure of CPD and/or a low partial pressure of hydrogen in the reaction mixture favors the conversion of acyclic C5 hydrocarbons. The total partial pressure of C5 hydrocarbons and hydrogen in the first reactor effluent at the outlet is desired to be lower than atmospheric pressure. Thus, where insufficient co-feedstock of a C1-C4 hydrocarbon or other co-feedstock is introduced into the first reactor, the total overall pressure of the first reactor effluent is desirably sub-atmospheric, in order to achieve a level of satisfactory conversion from acyclic C5 hydrocarbons to CPD. However, direct separation of a sub- atmospheric stream has the disadvantage of potential oxygen/air ingress into the system, resulting in oxidation of CPD and other hydrocarbons and formation of undesirable species in the system. Thus, it is desirable that the first reactor hydrocarbon effluent is processed to a higher total pressure before separation thereof. Eductor systems can be used for that purpose (as described in USSN 62/250,708, filed November 4, 2015).

Catalyst Composition

[0082] The second aspect of the invention is a catalyst composition for the conversion of an acyclic C5 feedstock and, optionally, hydrogen to a product comprising cyclic C5 compounds, such as for example, cyclopentadiene. The catalyst composition comprises a microporous crystalline ferrosilicate, a Group 10 metal, and/or, optionally, a Group 11 metal, in combination with an optional Group 1 alkali metal and/or an optional Group 2 alkaline earth metal. At least part of the Group 10 metal and/or Group 11 metal can be part of the framework metal of the ferrosilicate.

[0083] The microporous crystalline ferrosilicate has a S1O2/AI2O3 molar ratio greater than about 25, preferably in the range of from about 50 up to about 1,000.

[0084] The microporous crystalline ferrosilicate has a Si/Fe molar ratio greater than about 50, or greater than about 100, or greater than about 500 or greater than about 1000, or greater than 1500, or in the range from about 50 to about 1200, for from about 100 to about 500, or from about 50 to about 1000, or from about 50 to about 1500.

[0085] The Group 10 metal includes, or is selected from the group consisting of, nickel, palladium, and platinum, preferably platinum. The Group 10 metal content of said catalyst composition is at least 0.005 wt%, based on the weight of the catalyst composition. The Group 10 content is in the range from about 0.005 wt% to about 10 wt%, or from about 0.005 wt% up to about 1.5 wt%, based on the weight of the catalyst composition. [0086] The Group 1 alkali metal includes, or is selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, and mixtures of two or more thereof, preferably sodium.

[0087] The Group 2 alkaline earth metal includes, or is selected from the group consisting of beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, and mixtures of two or more thereof.

[0088] The Group 11 metal is selected from the group consisting of copper, silver, gold, and mixtures of two or more thereof; preferably copper or silver.

[0089] The Group 1 1 metal content of the catalyst composition is such that the molar ratio of Group 11 metal to Group 10 metal is at least 0.01 , based on the molar quantities of each in the catalyst composition. Preferably, the molar ratio of Group 11 metal to Group 10 metal is in the range from about 0.1 to 10 or from about 0.5 to 5 based on the molar quantities of each in the catalyst composition. The Group 11 metal may be added to the catalyst composition during or after synthesis of the microporous crystalline molecular sieve as any suitable Group 1 1 metal compound.

[0090] The catalyst composition has an Alpha Value (as measured prior to the addition of the Group 10 metal, preferably platinum, and/or prior to the addition of the optional Group 1 1 metal, preferably, copper or silver) of less than about 25, or in the range of from about 1 to about 25, preferably less than about 15.

[0091] The molar ratio of said Group 1 alkali metal to Al is at least 1, and/or the molar ratio of said Group 2 alkaline earth metal to Al is at least 1.

[0092] The molar ratio of said Group 1 alkali metal to Al plus Fe is at least 0.1 , such as greater than 1, and/or the molar ratio of said Group 2 alkaline earth metal to Al plus Fe is at least 0.1, such as greater than 1.

[0093] The metal may be present as an oxide. The Group 1 alkali metal oxide is a metal oxide of lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, and mixtures of two or more thereof. The Group 2 alkaline earth metal oxide is an oxide of beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, and mixtures of two or more thereof.

[0094] The Group 1 alkali metal and/or Group 2 alkaline earth metal may be as residual from the crystallization process and/or added after crystallization.

[0095] The use of the catalyst compositions in the process of this invention provides a conversion of at least about 70%, or at least about 75%, or at least about 80%, or in the range from about 60% to about 80%, of said acyclic Cs feedstock under acyclic Cs conversion conditions of an n-pentane containing feedstock with equimolar H ₂ , a temperature in the range of about 550°C to about 600°C, an n-pentane partial pressure between 3 and 10 psia (21 to 69 kPa-a), and an n-pentane weight hourly space velocity between 10 and 20 hr ¹ .

[0096] The use of any one of the catalyst compositions in the process of this invention provides a carbon selectivity to cyclic Cs compounds of at least about 30%, or at least about 40%, or at least about 50%, or in the range from about 30% to about 50%, under acyclic Cs conversion conditions including an n-pentane feedstock with equimolar H2, a temperature in the range of about 550°C to about 600°C, an n-pentane partial pressure between 3 psia and 30 psia at the reactor inlet (21 to 207 kPa-a), such as between 3 psia and 10 psia (21 to 69 kPa- a), and an n-pentane weight hourly space velocity between 5 and 20 hr ¹ , such as between 10 and 20 hr ¹ .

[0097] The use of any one of the catalyst compositions in the process of this invention provides a carbon selectivity to cyclopentadiene of at least about 30%, or at least about 40%, or at least about 50%, or in the range from about 30% to about 50%, under acyclic C5 conversion conditions including an n-pentane feedstock with equimolar H2, a temperature in the range of about 550°C to about 600°C, an n-pentane partial pressure between 3 psia and 30 psia at the reactor inlet (21 to 207 kPa-a), such as between 3 psia and 10 psia (21 to 69 kPa- a), and an n-pentane weight hourly space velocity between 5 and 20 hr ¹ , such as between 10 and 20 hr ¹ .

[0098] The catalyst compositions of this invention can be combined with a matrix or binder material to render them attrition resistant and more resistant to the severity of the conditions to which they will be exposed during use in hydrocarbon conversion applications.

The combined compositions can contain 1 to 99 wt% of the materials of the invention based on the combined weight of the matrix (binder) and material of the invention. The relative proportions of microporous crystalline material and matrix may vary widely, with the crystal content ranging from about 1 to about 90 wt% and more usually, particularly when the composite is prepared in the form of beads, in the range of about 2 to about 80 wt% of the composite.

[0099] During the use of the catalyst compositions in the processes of this invention, coke may be deposited on the catalyst compositions, whereby such catalyst compositions lose a portion of its catalytic activity and become deactivated. The deactivated catalyst compositions may be regenerated by conventional techniques including high pressure hydrogen treatment and combustion of coke on the catalyst compositions with an oxygen- containing gas. Method of Making the Catalyst Compositions

[00100] In the third aspect of the invention, the method of making the catalyst composition comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a microporous crystalline ferrosilicate comprising a Group 1 alkali metal and/or a Group 2 alkaline earth metal;

(b) optionally, heating said microporous crystalline ferrosilicate in one or more steps to a first temperature of at least about 450°C, or 500°C, or 550°C in an atmosphere which comprises an inert gas, such as for example, helium, nitrogen, or an inert mixture of air and nitrogen, preferably nitrogen;

(c) optionally, adding oxygen to said atmosphere until the oxygen concentration in said atmosphere is up to about 10%, or about 20%, or about 30% and then cooling said microporous crystalline ferrosilicate, preferably cooling to about ambient temperature, for example, about 25°C; and

(d) contacting said (optionally, cooled) microporous crystalline ferrosilicate of step (a) or (c) with a source of a Group 10 metal, preferably platinum, to form said catalyst composition, whereby said catalyst composition having said Group 10 metal, and/or, optionally, a Group 11 metal, deposited thereon.

[00101] The Group 10 metal may be added to the catalyst composition during or after synthesis of the crystalline molecular sieve as any suitable Group 10 metal compound.

[00102] One Group 10 metal is platinum, and a source of platinum includes, but is not limited to, one or more platinum salts, such as, for example, platinum nitrate, chloroplatinic acid, platinous chloride, platinum amine compounds, particularly, tetraamine platinum hydroxide, and mixtures of two or more thereof. Alternatively, a source of platinum is selected from the group consisting of chloroplatinic acid, platinous chloride, platinum amine compounds, particularly, tetraamine platinum hydroxide, and mixtures of two or more thereof.

[00103] The source of Group 11 metal is a source of copper or silver. The source of copper is selected from the group consisting of copper nitrate, copper nitrite, copper acetate, copper hydroxide, copper acetylacetonate, copper carbonate, copper lactate, copper sulfate, copper phosphate, copper chloride, and mixtures of two or more thereof. The source of silver is selected from the group consisting of silver nitrate, silver nitrite, silver acetate, silver hydroxide, silver acetylacetonate, silver carbonate, silver lactate, silver sulfate, silver phosphate, and mixtures of two or more thereof. When Group 10 and/or Group 11 metals are added post-synthesis, they may be added by incipient wetness, spray application, solution exchange, and chemical vapor disposition or by other means known in the art.

[00104] The amount deposited of said Group 10 metal is at least 0.005 wt%, based on the weight of the catalyst composition, or in the range from 0.005 wt% to 10 wt%, based on the weight of the catalyst composition.

[00105] The Group 1 1 metal content of said catalyst composition is at least .01 molar ratio to the Group 10 metal, based on the molar quantities of each in the catalyst composition. In one or more embodiments, the Group 1 1 molar ratio to Group 10 metal is in the range from about 0.1 to 10 or from about 0.5 to 5 based on the molar quantities of each in the catalyst composition.

[00106] In the fourth aspect of the invention, the catalyst composition is made by the method of this invention.

Industrial Applicability

[00107] The first hydrocarbon reactor effluent obtained during the acyclic Cs conversion process containing cyclic, branched, and linear Cs hydrocarbons and, optionally, containing any combination of hydrogen, C4 and lighter byproducts, or Ce and heavier byproducts is a valuable product in and of itself. Preferably, CPD and/or DCPD may be separated from the reactor effluent to obtain purified product streams which are useful in the production of a variety of high value products.

[00108] For example, a purified product stream containing 50 wt% or greater, or preferably 60 wt% or greater of DCPD is useful for producing hydrocarbon resins, unsaturated polyester resins, and epoxy materials. A purified product stream containing 80 wt% or greater, or preferably 90 wt% or greater of CPD is useful for producing Diels-Alder reaction products formed in accordance with the following reaction Scheme (I):

25

Scheme I

Diels-Alder reaction product.

where R is a heteroatom or substituted heteroatom, substituted or unsubstituted C1-C50 hydrocarbyl radical (often a hydrocarbyl radical containing double bonds), an aromatic radical, or any combination thereof. Preferably, substituted radicals or groups contain one or more elements from Groups 13-17, preferably from Groups 15 or 16, more preferably nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur. In addition to the monoolefin Diels-Alder reaction product depicted in Scheme (I), a purified product stream containing 80 wt% or greater, or preferably 90 wt% or greater of CPD can be used to form Diels-Alder reaction products of CPD with one or more of the following: another CPD molecule, conjugated dienes, acetylenes, allenes, disubstituted olefins, trisubstituted olefins, cyclic olefins, and substituted versions of the foregoing. Preferred Diels-Alder reaction products include norbornene, ethylidene norbornene, substituted norbornenes (including oxygen containing norbornenes), norbornadienes, and tetracyclododecene, as illustrated in the following structures:

norbornene ethylidene norbornene tetracyclododecene norbornadiene oxygen substituted norbornene.

[00109] The foregoing Diels-Alder reaction products are useful for producing polymers and copolymers of cyclic olefins copolymerized with olefins such as ethylene. The resulting cyclic olefin copolymers and cyclic olefin polymers products are useful in a variety of applications, e.g., packaging film.

[00110] A purified product stream containing 99 wt% or greater of DCPD is useful for producing DCPD polymers using, for example, ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) catalysts. The DCPD polymer products are useful in forming articles, particularly molded parts, e.g., wind turbine blades and automobile parts.

[00111] Additional components may also be separated from the reactor effluent and used in the formation of high value products. For example, separated cyclopentene is useful for producing poly cyclopentene, also known as polypentenamer, as depicted in Scheme (II).

Scheme II

[00112] Separated cyclopentane is useful as a blowing agent and as a solvent. Linear and branched Cs products are useful for conversion to higher olefins and alcohols. Cyclic and non cyclic Cs products, optionally, after hydrogenation, are useful as octane enhancers and transportation fuel blend components.

Examples

[00113] The following examples illustrate the present invention. Numerous modifications and variations are possible and it is to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. X-ray diffraction patterns

[00114] The X-ray diffraction data (powder XRD or XRD) were collected with a Bruker D4 Endeavor diffraction system with a VANTEC multichannel detector using copper K- alpha radiation. The diffraction data were recorded by scanning mode with 0.018 degrees two-theta, where theta is the Bragg angle, and using an effective counting time of about 30 seconds for each step.

Comparative Example - Pt/Sn-ZSM-5

[00115] Experiments were conducted on the conversion of n-pentane over Pt/Sn-ZSM-5 catalyst compositions and selectivity/yield of cyclic Cs, Ci, and C2-4 cracking products, at 451°C (average values over 1 hour at each temperature) for a catalyst composition of 0.5 g ZSM-5(747: 1 SiO2:Al ₂ O ₃ )/2.0 wt%Sn/0.9 wt%Pt, at conditions of 6.9 psia (48 kPa-a) for n- pentane (C5H12), 1 : 1 molar IfeCs, 2.4 WHSV, 50 psia total (345 kPa-a). Data is shown for performance of the catalyst fresh and after a 5 hour treatment in H2 at 650°C. In Table 1A, the selectivities and yields are expressed on a molar percentage basis for the respective cyclic C5, CPD, Ci, and C2-4 of hydrocarbons formed; i.e., the molar selectivity is the moles of the respective cyclic C5, CPD, Ci, and C2-4 formed divided by total moles of pentane converted. In Table IB, the selectivities and yields are expressed on a carbon percentage basis for the respective cyclic C5, CPD, Ci, and C2-4 of hydrocarbons formed; i.e., the carbon selectivity is the moles carbon in the respective cyclic C5, CPD, Ci, and C2-4 formed divided by total moles of carbon in the pentane converted.

[00116] As can be seen, Table 1A and Table IB show moderate, 36%, conversion of n- pentane with 23% molar selectivity to cyclic C5 species on a fresh catalyst composition. The selectivity to cyclic products greatly reduced after H2 treatment at 650°C, demonstrating undesired catalyst aging.

Table 1A

Example 1 - Ferrosilicate MFI Framework Catalyst Composition Synthesis

[00117] A synthesis mixture with ~ 22% solids was prepared from 940 g of deionized (DI) water, 53.5 g of 50% NaOH solution, 7.5 g of 97% Iron Sulfate Hydrate solution, 76.8 g of n- propyl amine 100% solution, 10 g of ZSM-5 seed crystals, and 336 g of Ultrasil PM™ Modified silica (containing a low level of Al) were mixed in a 2-liter container and then charged into a 2-liter autoclave after mixing. The synthesis mixture had the following molar composition:

Na/Si0 ₂ - 0.13

n-PA/Si - 0.25.

[00118] The synthesis mixture was mixed and reacted at 230°F (110°C) at 250 rpm for 72 hours. The resulting product was filtered and washed with DI water and then dried in the oven at - 250°F (121°C) overnight. The XRD pattern of the as-synthesized material showed the typical pure phase of ZSM-5 topology is shown in Figure 1. The SEM shown in Figure 2 is of the as-synthesized material, and it shows that the material was composed of a mixture of large crystals with a size of 1- 2 microns. The resulting ferrosilicate MFI framework ([Fe]- ZSM-5) crystals had an iron content of 0.465 wt%, (Si/Fe molar ratio of 171), a Si0 ₂ /Al ₂ 0 ₃ molar ratio of - 1,120, and a sodium content of 0.5 wt% (Na/Al molar ratio of 7.3).

[00119] The as-synthesized [Fe] -ZSM-5 was calcined for 6 hours in nitrogen at 900°F (482°C). After cooling, the sample was re-heated to 900°F (482°C) in nitrogen and held for three hours. The atmosphere was then gradually changed to 1.1, 2.1, 4.2, and 8.4% oxygen in four stepwise increments. Each step was held for 30 minutes. The temperature was increased to 1000°F (540°C), the oxygen content was increased to 16.8%, and the material was held at 1000°F (540°C) for 6 hours. After cooling, 0.1 wt% Pt was added via incipient wetness impregnation using an aqueous solution of tetraamine platinum hydroxide. The catalyst composition was dried in air at room temperature for 2 hours, then at 250°F (121°C) for 3 hours, and lastly calcined in air at 660°F (349°C) for 3 hours. The catalyst composition powder was pressed (15 ton), crushed, and sieved to obtain 20-40 mesh particle size.

Example 2 - Catalyst Composition Performance Evaluation

[00120] The above material of Example 1 was evaluated for performance. The catalyst composition (0.5 g) was physically mixed with quartz (1.5 g, 60-80 mesh) and loaded into a reactor. The catalyst composition was dried for 1 hour under He (100 mL/min, 30 psig (207 kPa), 250°C) then reduced for 1 hour under Hi (200 mL/min, 30 psig (207 kPa), 500°C). The catalyst composition was then tested for performance with feed of n-pentane, H2, and balance He, typically at 550-600°C, 5.0 psia (35 kPa-a) C5H12, 1.0 molar H ₂ :C ₅ Hi ₂ , 14.7 h ^"1 WHSV, and 30 psig (207 kPa) total. Catalyst composition stability and regenerability was tested post initial tests at 550 to 600°C by treatment with H2 (200 mL/min, 30 psig (207 kPa), 650°C) for 5 hours, then re-testing performance at 600°C.

[00121] Cyclopentadiene and three equivalents of hydrogen are produced by dehydrogenation and cyclization of n-pentane (Equation 1). This is achieved by flowing n- pentane over a solid-state, Pt containing catalyst composition at elevated temperature. The performance of ZSM-5(414: l)/0.5%Pt of Example 1 was evaluated based on n-pentane conversion, cyclic C5 production (cCs), cracking yields, and stability. These results are summarized in Table 2A, Table 2B, Figure 3A, and Figure 3B.

Δ

C ₅ H ₁₂ → C ₅ H ₆ + 3H ₂ Equation (1)

Table 2A

[00122] Table 2A and Table 2B show the conversion of n-pentane and selectivity and yield of cyclic C5, CPD, Ci, and C2-4 cracking products at varying temperatures (average values over 8 hours at each temperature) for a catalyst composition of 0.5 g [Fe] ZSM- 5(Si:Ai2 molar ratio 1100: l)/0.1wt%Pt at conditions of 5.0 psia (35 kPa-a) C5H12, 1 : 1 molar H ₂ : C5, 14.7 WHSV, 45 psia (310 kPa-a) total. In Table 2A, the selectivities and yields are expressed on a molar percentage basis for the respective cyclic C5, CPD, Ci, and C2-4 of hydrocarbons formed; i.e., the molar selectivity is the moles of the respective cyclic C5, CPD, Ci, and C2-4 formed divided by total moles of pentane converted. In Table 2B, the selectivities and yields are expressed on a carbon percentage basis for the respective cyclic C5, CPD, Ci, and C2-4 of hydrocarbons formed; i.e., the carbon selectivity is the moles carbon in the respective cyclic C5, CPD, Ci, and C2-4 formed divided by total moles of carbon in the pentane converted.

[00123] As can be seen, Table 2A and Table 2B show greater than 40% conversion of pentane, at high WHSV, and 30% selectivity to cyclic C5 species at 600°C. While not the specific end product, cyclopentane and cyclopentene can be recycled to produce CPD or recovered for use in other applications. [Fe]-ZSM-5(1100: l)/0.1%Pt also produces Ci and C2-4 cracking products. These are lower value, undesired side products that cannot be recycled in this process, but can be separated and used as feedstock for other processes or as fuels. Yield to cracking products is less than 5% while the ratio of C5 cyclic products to cracking products is greater than 2 at each condition tested.

[00124] In the Comparative Example, a catalyst composition of Pt/Sn-ZSM-5 exhibited a 36% conversion of n-pentane with 23% selectivity to cyclic C5 species on a fresh catalyst composition, with a selectivity to cyclic products greatly reduced after H2 treatment at 650°C, demonstrating undesired catalyst composition aging, as noted above.

[00125] Figures 3A and 3B show cyclic C5 yield at varying temperatures, before and after H2 treatment for 0.5 g [Fe] ZSM-5(400: l)/0.5%Pt at conditions of 5.0 psia (35 kPa-a) C5H12, 1 : 1 molar H ₂ : C5, 14.7 WHSV, 45 psia total (310 kPa-a). Figure 3 shows this activity decreases over 8 hours at each temperature but increases after 5 hours of H2 treatment at 650°C, then continues to decrease at longer time-on-stream. This performance is greatly superior to other dehydrogenation catalysts, such as aluminas and aluminates.

[00126] Certain embodiments and features have been described using a set of numerical upper limits and a set of numerical lower limits. It should be appreciated that ranges from any lower limit to any upper limit are contemplated unless otherwise indicated. Certain lower limits, upper limits and ranges appear in one or more claims below. All numerical values take into account experimental error and variations that would be expected by a person having ordinary skill in the art.

[00127] All documents described herein are incorporated by reference herein, including any priority documents and/or testing procedures to the extent they are not inconsistent with this text. As is apparent from the foregoing general description and the specific embodiments, while forms of the invention have been illustrated and described, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited thereby. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the term "including." Likewise, whenever a composition, a process, a method of making, or an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase "comprising," it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition, a process, a method of making, or an element or a group of elements with transitional phrases "consisting essentially of," "consisting of, "selected from the group of consisting of," or "is" preceding the recitation of said composition, a process, a method of making, or an element or a group of elements, and vice versa.