The objective of this work was to study kinetics of catalytic cracking of benzene, using a catalyst-selected based on the literature search, and to investigate effects of conditions prevailing in a typical gasifier. The aim is to identify and evaluate a catalyst which would be effective in controlling hydrocarbons emission from a gasifier, itself. The scope of the work mainly includes kinetic studies on benzene cracking using a selected catalyst, investigation of catalyst deactivation and poisoning effects, if any, and the reaction rate modeling. The four tasks within this scope of work are as follows: reactor development; kinetic studies; deactivation and poisoning; and reaction rate modeling. 63 references, 32 figures, 5 tables.