Carbonization properties of partially hydrogenated aromatic compounds-I. Carbonization of partially hydrogenated pyrene prepared by Birch reduction

The carbonization properties of pyrene hydrogenated by Birch reduction to a variable extent were studied at 600°C under atmospheric pressure, in order to examine the influence of partial hydrogenation on the carbonization reactivity. Pyrene, which did not yield any coke, produced coke with flow texture after partial hydrogenation. Carbon yield of partially hydrogenated pyrene sharply depended on the hydrogenation extent. The intermediate stage of the carbonization pursued by hot-stage microscopy followed the steps of nucleation, growth and coalescence of anisotropic sphere. Considerable fluidity was observed at the final stage of mesophase development prior to the complete solidification where the benzene insoluble content exceeded 90%. The carbonization mechanism was discussed from the view of the polymerization of hydrogenated pyrene in relation with its structure.