The conversion of brown coals from the Borodino and Kangalas deposits in an aqueous medium and in a mixture of toluene with water was studied under supercritical conditions over the temperature range of 375-550°C and at pressures from 22 to 40 MPa. It was found that the methanation, hydrolysis, and oxidation reactions of brown coals with the predominant formation of gaseous products (methane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen) prevailed in an aqueous medium. Liquid substances were formed in an insignificant amount. In the toluene solvent under supercritical conditions at 440°C, the addition of a small water amount (15%) stimulated the degradation of coals with the predominant formation of liquid products and moderate gas formation. The use of calcium oxide and sodium hydroxide as catalysts increased the yields of liquid prod ucts. It was noted that the reactivity of Kangalas coal in this process was higher than that of Borodino coal.
