CATALYSTS OF THE ISOMERIZATION PROCESS OF n-HEXANE

Abstract

Information on the isomerization of n-hexane is systematized. It has been shown that the process of isomerization of n-alkanes is a priority issue in solving the problems of improving the quality of modern automobile gasolines and their compliance with environmental requirements. The use of low-octane fractions as raw materials determines the high efficiency of the process in addition to the production of high-value isomerizate. The obtained isomerizate meets all the requirements for motor fuels: high impact resistance, easy volatility, absence of benzene, olefins and sulfur. The article presents thermodynamic data, provides general information about modern catalytic systems used in the isomerization of n-alkanes, and shows their mechanisms of action. Comparative data on Friedel-Crafts catalyst, chlorinated alumina, zeolites, sulfated and tungsten-containing zirconium, and heteropolyacids are summarized. In the process of isomerization of the pentane-hexane fraction, platinum-containing catalysts based on chlorinated aluminum oxide, zeolites and sulfated zirconium dioxide are used in industry. SO4/ZrO2-based catalysts can be considered the most promising due to their high performance indicators. The current work is mainly focused on the systematic study of the physico-chemical regularities of the formation and isomerization activity of catalysts based on anion-modified oxides, depending on their composition and preparation conditions. Keywords: n-hexane, isomerization, thermodynamics, 2-methylpentane, 3-methylpentane, 2,2-dimethylbutane, 2,3-dimethylbutane, catalytic systems.