Isomerization of n-butene to isobutene: I. Selection of catalyst by group screening

Abstract

The group screening method has been applied to the selection of the best catalyst for the isomerization of n-butene to isobutene, as the first step in a detailed program of investigations on the mechanism and kinetics of this reaction. Forty-six acid-solid catalysts grouped according to their chemical similarities into twelve groups have been tested for their performance in the conversion of n-butene to isobutene at 400 °C, atmospheric pressure and W/F = 40 [ratio of the catalyst weight (g) to the feed rate (gmole/hr)] in an integral-type reactor. Constituent catalysts of the group which appeared to contain the most promising catalysts were then tested independently under identical conditions in order to identify the best catalyst. Fluorinated η-alumina (1% F) was found to be the best catalyst, with the highest activity (conversion), good selectivity, appropriate life, and excellent regenerability. It was possible to identify the best catalyst in only 17 runs by the group screening method as against a minimum of 46 that would have been necessary if all the catalysts had been assessed independently (excluding life and regeneration tests in both cases).