Catalysts containing an MFI zeolite and an MFI/MCM-41 composite synthesized by the hydrothermal microwave method have been first studied in rapeseed oil hydroconversion. Catalysts provide the production of valuable petrochemicals, namely, high-octane components of motor fuels and С 2 –С 4 olefins. Synthesized MFI zeolite mostly catalyzed the formation of aromatic hydrocarbons (ArH); incorporation of this zeolite into the matrix of mesoporous silicate MCM-41 leads to a decrease in the ArH content in the liquid hydrocarbon products owing to an increase in the yield of liquid aliphatic hydrocarbons. Promotion of the MFI zeolite synthesized by the hydrothermal microwave method with zinc ions leads to the formation of a catalyst providing the formation of liquid products consisting of ArH.

An approach to the construction of a kinetic model for the reactions of rapeseed oil hydroconversion to aromatic hydrocarbons has been proposed, which is based on analysis of experimental data obtained using a MFI zeolite promoted with zinc and chromium ions. An empirical mathematical model describing the dynamic behavior of the main products of the decomposition reaction of rapeseed oil as a model feedstock has been developed. It has been shown that an increase in the space time and temperature in the examined range of reaction conditions increase the yield of aromatic hydrocarbons. The influence of hydrogen pressure on the yield of aromatics is nonmonotonic in character, passing through a maximum, with the optimum yield being in the middle of the hydrogen pressure range of 10–20 atm.

The H-forms of superhigh-silica zeolites promoted with zinc and chromium ions catalyze the conversion of fatty acid triglycerides, which are components of, e.g., rapeseed oil, into a mixture of aromatic, saturated, and unsaturated hydrocarbons. The zinc and chromium ions raise the arene productivity of the catalyst.