A mechanism for the isomerization of the hexanes using zeolite catalysts

Abstract

The isomerization of the hexane isomers was studied at low conversion levels using a palladium-loaded zeolite catalyst. The primary products derived from the individual hexane isomers cannot be explained in terms of an intramolecular rearrangement of a carbonium ion intermediate. It was observed that isomerization is invariably accompanied by hydrocracking, but the hydrocracked products are not consistent with a simple cleavage of the hexane molecules. A bimolecular mechanism is proposed which satisfactorily explains both the observed products from the isomerization and hydrocracking reactions as well as the presence of heptanes in the product.