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The feasibility study of the octane-enhancing process: isobutylene dimerization using C4 mixture
Y J Huang1, Yih-Min Sun, F L Chang
1Department of Environmental and Safety Engineering, Chung Hwa College of Medical Technology, Jen-Te Hsiang, Tainan Hsien, Taiwan, ROC.
Summary
Strong acidic ion exchange resin (Amberlyst 15) efficiently catalyzes isobutylene dimerization to diisobutylene. Optimal conditions were identified for high conversion and selectivity, minimizing oligomer formation.
Area of Science:
- Chemical Engineering
- Catalysis
- Organic Chemistry
Background:
- Isobutylene dimerization is crucial for producing diisobutylene, a valuable chemical intermediate.
- Efficient catalysts and optimized reaction conditions are needed to maximize dimer selectivity and minimize oligomer byproducts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate various catalysts for isobutylene dimerization to diisobutylene.
- To determine the optimal reaction conditions for Amberlyst 15, a strong acidic ion exchange resin, in both batch and fixed-bed reactors.
- To investigate the influence of temperature, catalyst loading, solvents, and WHSV on conversion, selectivity, and oligomer formation.
Main Methods:
- Screening of nickel salts, zeolites, and acidic ion exchange resins as catalysts.
- Optimization studies using Amberlyst 15 in batch and fixed-bed reactor configurations.
- Analysis of reaction parameters including temperature, pressure, catalyst amount, solvent addition, and Weight Hourly Space Velocity (WHSV).
Main Results:
- Amberlyst 15 demonstrated superior performance, achieving 90% conversion and >60% selectivity to diisobutylene under mild conditions (6 kg/cm², 60°C).
- In batch reactions, increased temperature boosted activity but required shorter reaction times to control oligomerization; increased catalyst amount enhanced rate without altering product composition.
- In fixed-bed studies, optimal conditions were found to be 45°C with a WHSV of 10, balancing reaction rate and selectivity.
- Addition of methyl tert-butyl ether effectively inhibited oligomer formation.
Conclusions:
- Amberlyst 15 is a highly effective catalyst for isobutylene dimerization.
- Optimized reaction conditions (45°C, WHSV 10) in a fixed-bed reactor maximize diisobutylene yield while minimizing oligomer formation.
- Process parameters like temperature, catalyst loading, and solvent presence significantly impact reaction outcomes.