Light olefins synthesis from C1-C2 paraffins via oxychlorination processes

Abstract

A two-step process was employed to convert methane or ethane to light olefins via the formation of an intermediate monoalkyl halide. A novel K4RuOCl10/TiO2 catalyst was tested for the oxidative chlorination of methane and ethane. The catalyst had high selectivity for methyl and ethyl chlorides, 80% and 90%, respectively. During the oxychlorination of ethane at T⩾250°C, the formation of ethylene as a reaction product along with ethyl chloride was observed. In situ Fourier transform infrared studies showed that the key intermediate for monoalkyl chloride and ethylene formation is the alkoxy group. The reaction mechanism for the oxidative chlorination of methane and ethane over the Ru-oxychloride catalyst was proposed. The novel fiber glass catalyst was also tested for the dehydrochlorination of alkyl chlorides to ethylene and propylene. Very high selectivities (up to 94%–98%) for ethylene and propylene formation as well as high stability were demonstrated.