Influence of process variables on the continuous alkylation of isobutane with 2-butene on superacid sulfated zirconia catalysts

Journal Article · Thu Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1994 · Journal of Catalysis

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1006/jcat.1994.1271· OSTI ID:110976

Corma, A; Martinez, A; Martinez, C ^[1]

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1. Instituto de Tecnologia Quimica, Valencia (Spain)

Two sulfated zirconia catalysts have been prepared by impregnation of zirconium hydroxide with H{sub 2}SO{sub 4} 0.3 N and 1 N. Both samples showed superacid sites as shown by a desorption temperature peak in the NH{sub 3} TPD at ca. 813 K. The activity and selectivity of these catalysts have been studied for the alkylation of isobutane with trans-2 butene in a computer-controlled continuous fixed bed reactor coupled with a sampling system which allows to make differential analysis of the products from very short reaction times. In this way, the influence of the main process variables, i.e, time on stream, reaction temperature, olefin WHSV, and isoparaffin/olefin ratio, on the 2-butene conversation and product distribution has been investigated. Cracking of larger carbocations and alkylation of isobutane with 2-butene to give trimethylpentanes were the predominant reactions occurring on the superacid catalyst in the initial stages of the reaction. The alkylation/cracking ratio increased when decreasing reaction temperature. A fast catalyst decay with time on stream was also observed, and this was accompanied by an increase in the oligomerization of butene. 23 refs., 5 figs., 4 tabs.

• OSTI ID: 110976
• Journal Information: Journal of Catalysis, Journal Name: Journal of Catalysis Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 149; ISSN 0021-9517; ISSN JCTLA5
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

2-METHYLPROPANE
40 CHEMISTRY
ALKYLATION
CATALYSTS
CATALYTIC EFFECTS
CATIONS
CRACKING
TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE
ZIRCONIUM OXIDES