Transformation of cyclic alcohols on neodymium oxide

1. The conversion of cyclohexanol at 200–500°, cyclopentanol and methylcyclohexanols at 350° on Nd2O3 was investigated in a circulating-type system in a stream of nitrogen. 2. The activation energy of the dehydration of cyclohexanol on Nd2O3 (determined without dilution with nitrogen) at 230–286° is 23.3 kcal/mole. 3. Cyclopentanol, cyclohexanol, and methylcyclohexanols are dehydrated to the same degree on Nd2O3 at 350° the hydrocarbon portion of the catalyzates obtained from the methylcyclohexanols containing only products of direct dehydration of the alcohols.