The effect of the solvent in stannous chloride catalysed hydrogenation of coal

Hydrogenation of the same coal in an autoclave using stannous chloride as the catalyst was carried out with donor and non-donor solvents and without solvent at 400° and 450°C. The conversion, product distribution and chemical nature of the oil and asphaltene were very similar with donor and non-donor solvents. However, in the absence of solvent the conversion and the liquid yield were lower, the gas yield higher and the liquid product was more aromatic. At 450°C the gas yield was higher, the asphaltene yield lower and both the oil and asphaltene were more aromatic than at 400°C, both with and without solvent. A possible explanation for the effect of solvent is given.