| abstract |
A catalyst comprising at least one metal selected from the group consisting of rhodium, palladium, ruthenium, iridium and platinum in combination with a Group VB element supported on a porous carrier is employed in the hydrocracking of heavy aromatic hydrocarbons using steam as the hydrogen source. The product consists mainly of hydrogen, carbon dioxide and lower molecular weight aromatic hydrocarbons. The catalyst is especially useful for the dealkylation of aromatic hydrocarbons. |