Role of Supercritical Water and Pyrite in Transformations of Propylene

The effect of supercritical water and pyrite on the transformations of propylene upon the uniform heating (1.5 K/min) of reagents to 718 K is studied. The products are analyzed by IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy, mass-spectrometry and gas chromatography/mass-spectrometry. It is established based on the temperature dependences of the pressure of reagents that the addition of pyrite in the absence of water gives rise to a decrease in the starting temperature of propylene oligomerization. In the absence of pyrite, the addition of water suppresses propylene oligomerization. A synergetic effect of supercritical water and pyrite on the degree of conversion of propylene is revealed. It is shown that hydrogen sulfide, thiols, and methyl-derivatives of thiophene are formed in the presence of pyrite, as well as the yield of aromatic and polyaromatic hydrocarbons increases. The mechanisms of the observed processes are discussed.