Provided here are processes and systems for conversion of alkyl-bridged non-condensed alkyl multi-aromatic compounds to alkyl mono-aromatic compounds. One system includes a hydrodearylation reactor adapted to receive a hydrogen stream and a feed stream and to produce a reactor effluent stream in presence of a catalyst. The feed stream contains one or more of heavy alkyl aromatic compounds and one or more alkyl-bridged non-condensed alkyl multi-aromatic compounds. The reactor effluent stream contains one or more alkyl mono-aromatic compounds. The system also includes a first separator fluidly coupled to the hydrodearylation reactor and adapted to receive the reactor effluent stream and to produce a hydrodearylated gas stream and a hydrodearylated liquid stream. The system also includes a second separator fluidly coupled to the first separator and adapted to receive a portion of the hydrodearylated gas stream and to produce a hydrocarbon liquid stream and a vapor stream rich in hydrogen.