Transition metal catalysis in the generation of petroleum and natural gas

Details Transition metal catalysis in the generation of petroleum and natural gas Transition metal catalysis in the generation of petroleum and natural gas

Jan 1992

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1992gecoa..56..553m&link_type=abstract

Geochimica et Cosmochimica Acta, vol. 56, Issue 1, pp.553-555

Computer Science

3

Scientific paper

Certain ratios of light hydrocarbons remain virtually invariant over the course of petroleum generation, indicating steady-state catalysis rather than thermal cracking as the central feature to the mechanism of petroleum generation. Although the evidence for catalytic intervention is now compelling, the nature of the catalytic agent, its mode of activation and action are not clear. I propose that the transition metals, activated in the lipophilic domains of kerogen, are the catalytic agents in the conversion of normal paraffins into light hydrocarbons and natural gas. The process proceeds through specific catalytic steps involving 3-, 5-, and 6-carbon ring-closures and the cleavage of carbon-carbon bonds in the key steps. This hypothesis is analyzed in the context of published literature on catalysis by Ni, V, Ti, Co, and related transition metals. Activated under anaerobic conditions, these metals express extraordinary catalytic activity in each of the postulated steps. Moreover, metal-catalysis provides a reasonable kinetic pathway through which hydrogen and normal paraffins may combine to form a methane-enriched natural gas. Given the anaerobic conditions of diagenesis and a kerogenous source of hydrogen, it is concluded that the transition metals, under catagenic conditions, are potentially active catalysts in the conversion of hydrogen and paraffins into light hydrocarbons and natural gas.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Transition metal catalysis in the generation of petroleum and natural gas does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Transition metal catalysis in the generation of petroleum and natural gas, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Transition metal catalysis in the generation of petroleum and natural gas will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-936975