Reaction pathways of anthracene selective catalytic steam cracking using a NiK/Al2O3 catalyst

► Activity of NiK/Al2O3 catalysts was investigated in the anthracene SCSC. ► A compromise between anthracene conversion and selectivity to liquid products was obtained at 450 °C. ► SCSC of anthracene was found to occur via two simultaneous reaction pathways. ► External ring C-C bond scission led to naphthenic derived products. ► Internal ring C-C bond scission produced biphenyl derived products via fluorenone as intermediate.