Catalytic Conversion of Dicyclopentadiene into High Energy Density Fuel: A Brief Review

Abstract

A fuel with parameters such as high energy density, lower viscosity, and freezing point is desirable to be used in missile aircrafts jets at higher altitudes. In this regard, exotetrahydrodicyclopentadiene, a major constituent of JP-10 fuel, has ideal properties to be used as missile fuel and can be produced from its endoisomeric form known as endotetrahydrodicyclopentadiene. Dicyclopentadiene is used as a feedstock to produce endo or exotetrahydrodicyclopentadiene either in one or two steps. This brief review is a compilation of the research so far, conducted by various research groups, and provides knowledge on the dicyclopentadiene transformation to endo and exotetrahydrodicyclopentadiene over various hydrogenation−isomerization catalysts at various reaction conditions. The role of the catalyst and its deactivation is discussed, and the use of a catalytic reactor is also mentioned.

Novel Strained Alicyclic Hydrocarbons Based on 5-Methylene-2-norbornene

“…The synthetic fuels consist of alicyclic hydrocarbons, the polycyclic structure of which contributes to the higher density, whereas the strain energy of minor cycles enhances the heating value. Thus, it has become increasingly relevant to develop effective approaches to produce high-energy-density (HED) hydrocarbons, represented both by previously known species and by ones never described before [8][9][10][11][12].…”

Alternate Preparation of Norbornene and Dimethanooctahydronaphthalene via Diels–Alder Reaction: Process Simulation and Experimental Verification

“…As the temperature increased, the DCPD gradually approached the supercritical phase, resulting in more TCPD generated and higher concentration. 37 When the temperature was above 240 °C, DCPD and CPD in the side reaction were in the same phase and the selectivity of TCPD increased. This led to a decrease in the concentration of DMON generated by the reaction, and the selectivity of the reaction gradually decreased.…”

High-Energy-Density Liquid Spiro-Norbornanes from Methylenenorbornane

“…The replacement of conventional jet fuels from petroleum refineries, such as kerosene, with synthetic ones has acquired particular relevance with the development of commercial, military, and space aviation because of their enhanced performance properties. − A synthetic jet fuel made from petrochemical or biohydrocarbon feedstocks has a significant advantage because it can be easily modified to suit current aircraft designs. Modern aircraft vehicles are often volume-limited, and the application of high-energy density fuels reduces fuel tank volumes, saving more space for useful components, or extending the maximum flight range without refueling. , In addition, liquid propellants used must also have suitable cryogenic properties such as low freezing points and viscosities to operate aircraft engines in harsh conditions. − For example, JP-10 ( exo -isomer of tetrahydrodicyclopentadiene) is the synthetic fuel that can give 13–14% more energy in comparison to distilled kerosene. − In recent years, various synthetic fuels have been developed, for instance, fully hydrogenated and isomerized tricyclopentadiene, , cyclopropanated terpenes, − alkyladamantanes, , hydrogenated dimers of norbornene and norbornadiene, , dimers of isoprene and myrcene, etc.…”