Dehydrogenation Reactions of Hydrocarbons: Alkane, Alkenes Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Dehydrogenation reactions are of great importance and provide a wide range of synthetic utility. These reactions are generally defined as the removal of one or more pairs of hydrogen atoms from the parent molecule to obtain an unsaturated bond or bonds. Dehydrogenation reactions play a critical role in producing olefins from saturated hydrocarbons through the refinery cracking process. A large volume of olefin derivatives and butadiene derivatives that are essential as feedstock for the organic chemicals industry are produced through this process from appropriate hydrocarbon feedstock. Therefore, the selective conversion of linear alkanes to ?-olefins under mild conditions is a highly desirable transformation. The dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons is a thermodynamically uphill process; thus, it requires a suitable catalyst that can act as a sacrificial hydrogen acceptor so that the reaction can proceed smoothly. In this chapter, we give insight into the development of different processes and catalysts that are involved in the dehydrogenation of alkanes, alkenes, and aromatic hydrocarbons. We start with an ephemeral overview, proceed to the fundamentals, factors, and challenges to accomplish better catalytic efficacy, and follow by discussing synthetic routes including specific optimization methods of different catalysts. In conclusion, researchers have overcome some contemporary challenges to provide a better process for the dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons. © 2024 selection and editorial matter, Syed Shahabuddin, Rama Gaur and Nandini Mukherjee; individual chapters, the contributors.