Abstract:
A process for producing cyclohexane by benzene hydrogenation using a hydrogen source that contains impurities, such as carbon monoxide and/or light hydrocarbons, wherein a supported catalyst reduces benzene to cyclohexane and carbon monoxide to methane and water. Alkenes, such as ethylene, are also reduced to their alkane counterparts. Under the disclosed operating conditions, the process proceeds without deactivation of the catalyst, and without the formation of a significant amount of cracking products, such as methylcyclopentane.