The effect of voids and dilution on n-hexane oxidation over a VMgO catalyst

The conversion of n-hexane has been studied over magnesium orthovanadate (Mg3V2O8). This work illustrates some of the problems associated with alkane activation and subsequent conversion to more valuable products with respect to location of voids and the catalyst in the reactor. The effect of differently packed reactors and dilution factors on the product profile was investigated at a constant gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) of 3000 h−1. The products included propane, propene, butane, benzene, carbon oxides and isomers of butene and hexene. Cracked products, propane and propene were favored in an empty reactor. Benzene production in an empty steel and glass reactor suggested that its formation was non-catalytic. Benzene production below 400 °C was catalytically driven, whilst production above 400 °C was thermodynamically driven. The product-selectivity profile was investigated with respect to catalytic products from the conversion of n-hexane over Mg3V2O8 and non-catalytic products from blank reactor and inert packed reactor experiments.