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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Studies of the fundamental nature of catalytic acidity, sites, and intermediates: Progress report for period August 1, 1987-July 31, 1988

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6962205

Neopentane, because of its unique structural features, was found to be a useful probe for the assay of the acidity of various zeolites. The C-C bond was attacked by catalyst protons yielding CH/sub 4/ and the isobutyl carbenium ion in equal quantities. The latter either decomposed to produce isobutene or underwent secondary reactions. New avenues for reaction were opened with isobutane. The reaction of the Bronsted protons with the tertiary CH bonds produced H/sub 2/ and the same isobutyl carbenium ion. Hydride ion transfer of the same tertiary hydrogen to existing carbenium ions also occurred and the results showed that about half of the reaction was carried by this pathway. As with Neopentane, the C-C bond could also be attacked yielding the sec-propyl carbenium ion. These tools are being further developed.

Research Organization:
Pittsburgh Univ., PA (USA). Dept. of Chemistry
DOE Contract Number:
FG02-87ER13774
OSTI ID:
6962205
Report Number(s):
DOE/ER/13774-1; ON: DE88012975
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English