The invention is directed to ruthenium-based metathesis catalysts of the Grubbs-Hoveyda type. The new 2-aryloxy-substituted ruthenium catalysts described herein reveal rapid initiation behavior. Further, the corresponding styrene-based precursor compounds are disclosed. The catalysts are prepared in a cross-metathesis reaction starting from styrene-based precursors which can be prepared in a cost-effective manner.

The new Grubbs-Hoveyda type catalysts are suitable to catalyze ring-closing metathesis (RCM), cross metathesis (CM) and ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). Low catalyst loadings are necessary to convert a wide range of substrates including more complex and critical substrates via metathesis reactions at low to moderate temperatures in high yields within short reaction times.

Disclosed are a catalytic method and system for producing aromatic hydrocarbons from aliphatic hydrocarbons or light naphtha. In an aspect, the process comprises adding a diluent comprising a heavy aromatic hydrocarbon (for example, C.sub.7-C.sub.9+) to a reactor feedstock comprising aliphatic hydrocarbons (for example, C.sub.6-C.sub.8) or light naphtha to form a reactor feed stream, such that the heat capacity of reactor feed stream is higher than the heat capacity of feedstock. The reactor feed stream is heated and contacting with a catalyst under conditions sufficient to aromatize at least a portion of the aliphatic hydrocarbons and form a product stream comprising a primary aromatic hydrocarbon product and a heavy aromatic hydrocarbon product. In an aspect, the diluent can comprise a heavy aromatic hydrocarbon having at least one carbon atom more than the primary aromatic hydrocarbon product.

Disclosed are a catalytic method and system for producing aromatic hydrocarbons from aliphatic hydrocarbons or light naphtha. In an aspect, the process comprises adding a diluent comprising a heavy aromatic hydrocarbon (for example, C.sub.7-C.sub.9+) to a reactor feedstock comprising aliphatic hydrocarbons (for example, C.sub.6-C.sub.8) or light naphtha to form a reactor feed stream, such that the heat capacity of reactor feed stream is higher than the heat capacity of feedstock. The reactor feed stream is heated and contacting with a catalyst under conditions sufficient to aromatize at least a portion of the aliphatic hydrocarbons and form a product stream comprising a primary aromatic hydrocarbon product and a heavy aromatic hydrocarbon product. In an aspect, the diluent can comprise a heavy aromatic hydrocarbon having at least one carbon atom more than the primary aromatic hydrocarbon product.

A process for making high density fuels having the potential to increase the range and/or loiter time of Navy platforms. Derivation of these fuels from a sustainable source will decrease the carbon footprint of the Department of Defense (DoD) and reduce reliance on nonsustainable petroleum sources. Fuels based on ziza-anes have volumetric net heats of combustion up to ca. 18% higher than conventional Navy jet fuel (JP-5). Moreover, ziza-anes can be generated from sustainable biomass sugars via fermentation.

A process for making high density fuels having the potential to increase the range and/or loiter time of Navy platforms. Derivation of these fuels from a sustainable source will decrease the carbon footprint of the Department of Defense (DoD) and reduce reliance on nonsustainable petroleum sources. Fuels based on ziza-anes have volumetric net heats of combustion up to ca. 18% higher than conventional Navy jet fuel (JP-5). Moreover, ziza-anes can be generated from sustainable biomass sugars via fermentation.

A process for making high density fuels having the potential to increase the range and/or loiter time of Navy platforms. Derivation of these fuels from a sustainable source will decrease the carbon footprint of the Department of Defense (DoD) and reduce reliance on nonsustainable petroleum sources. Fuels based on ziza-anes have volumetric net heats of combustion up to ca. 18% higher than conventional Navy jet fuel (JP-5). Moreover, ziza-anes can be generated from sustainable biomass sugars via fermentation.

Disclosed herein is are methods of preparing dehydrogenation catalysts comprising the steps of calcining a catalyst precursor in an oxygen-containing atmosphere followed by a calcining the calcined catalyst precursor in a hydrogen-containing atmosphere and/or washing the calcined catalyst precursor with water. The dehydrogenation catalysts prepared in accordance with the methods of the present disclosure typically comprise a halogen content of less than 0.1 wt % based on the weight of the dehydrogenation catalyst. Such catalysts may be particularly useful in the dehydrogenation of a feed comprising cyclohexane and/or methylcyclopentane.

Disclosed herein is are methods of preparing dehydrogenation catalysts comprising the steps of calcining a catalyst precursor in an oxygen-containing atmosphere followed by a calcining the calcined catalyst precursor in a hydrogen-containing atmosphere and/or washing the calcined catalyst precursor with water. The dehydrogenation catalysts prepared in accordance with the methods of the present disclosure typically comprise a halogen content of less than 0.1 wt % based on the weight of the dehydrogenation catalyst. Such catalysts may be particularly useful in the dehydrogenation of a feed comprising cyclohexane and/or methylcyclopentane.

A process for making high density fuels having the potential to increase the range and/or loiter time of Navy platforms. Derivation of these fuels from a sustainable source will decrease the carbon footprint of the Department of Defense (DoD) and reduce reliance on nonsustainable petroleum sources. Fuels based on longifolene have volumetric net heats of combustion up to 17% higher than conventional Navy jet fuel (JP-5). Moreover, longifolene can be generated from sustainable biomass sugars via fermentation.

A process for making high density fuels having the potential to increase the range and/or loiter time of Navy platforms. Derivation of these fuels from a sustainable source will decrease the carbon footprint of the Department of Defense (DoD) and reduce reliance on nonsustainable petroleum sources. Fuels based on barbatene and thujopsene have volumetric energy densities comparable to JP-10 and can be produced from biomass sugars.