Catalytic selective ring opening of methylcyclopentane in the presence of CO2

•Selective ring opening of methylcyclopentane is possible under CO2 atmosphere.•Ir/USY catalyst performs well in selective ring opening methylcyclopentane.•With increase in CO2 pressure total conversion of methylcyclopentane increases.•We report here the great potential of CO2 utilization in the SRO process.

Simple and highly efficient approach for the utilization of carbon dioxide (CO2) in selective ring opening (SRO) of methylcyclopentane (MCP) over 0.9 wt.% Ir/USY catalyst is described. Ring opening products such as n-hexane, 2-MP and 3-MP were formed during the SRO of MCP in the presence of CO2. The influence of CO2 pressure on the total conversion and ring opening (RO) product selectivity was examined, which highlights the great potential of CO2 utilization in petroleum industry for SRO process.