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Title: Isoparaffin synthesis: hydrogenation of carbon monoxide over cadmium catalysts

Journal Article · · J. Catal.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5665542

The production of straight-chain hydrocarbons by iron, cobalt, nickel, and ruthenium Fischer-Tropsch catalysts has been extensively studied. Under normal synthesis conditions, a broad molecular weight range of products is obtained that requires extensive reprocessing to obtain high yields of transportation fuels. During the 1930s, a second synthesis of hydrocarbons by hydrogenation of carbon monoxide was discovered. Products from this process were low molecular weight, aromatic, and branched aliphatic hydrocarbons. This was termed the isosynthesis process. Isosynthesis catalysts, however, required high reaction temperatures and pressures. Gasoline yields of 90% were obtained at reaction pressures from 350 to 700 atm and temperatures of about 400/sup 0/C. Compared with the yields and product distributions from Fischer-Tropsch processing, the higher octane gasoline range hydrocarbons obtained from isosynthesis could offer an attractive alternative if catalysts could be found that would operate at lower pressure. Because of the high pressures required for the isosynthesis catalysts, comparatively little research has been done in this area since their initial discovery. In this paper the authors describe a catalyst that operates at medium pressure for producing low molecular weight isoparaffins. The metallic component is cadmium and when combined with acid supports, for example, zeolites or expanded clays, catalyzes the hydrogenation of carbon monoxide to low molecular weight isoparaffins. 9 references.

Research Organization:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State Univ., Blacksburg
OSTI ID:
5665542
Journal Information:
J. Catal.; (United States), Vol. 103:2
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English