Synthesis of iron based hydrocracking catalysts

Abstract

Disclosed are method of preparing a fine particle iron based hydrocracking catalyst and the catalyst prepared thereby. An iron (III) oxide powder and elemental sulfur are reacted with a liquid hydrogen donor having a hydroaromatic structure present in the range of from about 5 to about 50 times the weight of iron (III) oxide at 180C to 240C for 0 to 8 hours. Various specific hydrogen donors are disclosed. The catalysts are active at low temperature (<350C) and low pressure