The role of shape selectivity and intrinsic selectivity of acidic sites of the catalysts in the skeletal isomerization ofn-butenes

The effect upon kinetic behaviour (activity and selectivity) of the physical properties (pore volume distribution) and acidic characteristics (nature of acidic sites and acidic strength distribution) of acidic catalysts in the skeletal isomerization of n-butenes has been studied. The catalysts studied are the following: γ-alumina, alumina modified by introduction of F, Cl and Br, silica–alumina, HZSM-5 zeolite-based catalyst and SAPO-34-based catalyst. It has been proven that the selectivity of acidic catalysts towards the skeletal isomerization of n-butenes is the result of a compromise between pore shape selectivity and intrinsic selectivity of the acidic sites of different strength, this latter property being more significant. Strong acidic sites are needed for the skeletal isomerization, but sites which are too strong produce important amounts of byproducts. A chlorinated alumina is a highly active and selective catalyst for skeletal isomerization. © 1998 SCI.