Decomposition of Aromatic Compounds on Cut Nickel Surface

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Abstract
The absorption and decomposition of several aromatic compounds was studied on a nickel surface under dynamic conditions at room temperature. Nickel was activated by cutting under high vacuum. The aromatic compounds decomposed on the cut nickel surface, and hydrogen was evolved even at room temperature. However, decomposition was not observed with saturated hydrocarbons such as normal hexane and cyclohexane. It was elucidated that hydrogen evolution was the result of catalytic decomposition of aromatic compounds on the cut nickel surface as well as the thermal decomposition of adsorbed water. It was found that aromatic decomposition was closely dependent on the structure of the aromatics. The nature of chemical activity of nickel under dynamic conditions is discussed.