catalytic reforming

chemical process

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June 24, 2026

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Catalytic reforming is a chemical process used in petroleum refining to rearrange the molecular structure of hydrocarbons, primarily to improve their combustion characteristics. This technique is applied to low-quality gasoline stocks, transforming them into higher-octane gasoline.1

The process involves heating naphtha, a component of crude oil, in the presence of hydrogen and a catalyst, typically platinum supported on aluminum oxide. This catalytic action facilitates reactions that break down long-chain hydrocarbons and form isoparaffins and aromatic compounds, both of which have high octane numbers. Hydrogen is a crucial byproduct of this process. Catalytic reforming is essential for producing high-quality gasoline without lead additives and for reformulating transportation fuels to minimize environmental emissions.23

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hydrocarbon
Source and synthesis
…possible processes, known generally as catalytic reforming, in which alkanes are converted to arenes by a combination of isomerization and dehydrogenation events.
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…possible processes, known generally as catalytic reforming, in which alkanes are converted to arenes by a combination of isomerization and dehydrogenation events.
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petroleum refining
Naphtha reforming
) In catalytic reforming, as in thermal reforming, a naphtha-type material serves as the feedstock, but the reactions are carried out in the presence of hydrogen, which inhibits the formation of unstable unsaturated compounds that polymerize into higher-boiling materials.
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) In catalytic reforming, as in thermal reforming, a naphtha-type material serves as the feedstock, but the reactions are carried out in the presence of hydrogen, which inhibits the formation of unstable unsaturated compounds that polymerize into higher-boiling materials.
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reforming
Catalytic reforming uses a catalyst, usually platinum, to produce a similar result. Mixed with hydrogen, naphtha is heated and passed over pellets of catalyst in a series of reactors, under high pressure, producing high-octane gasoline.
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Catalytic reforming uses a catalyst, usually platinum, to produce a similar result. Mixed with hydrogen, naphtha is heated and passed over pellets of catalyst in a series of reactors, under high pressure, producing high-octane gasoline.
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