Synthesis of 2,3-Dimethylbutenes by Dimerization of Propene Using Highly Active Nickel-Phosphine Catalysts in the Presence of Sulfonic Acids and/or Dialkyl Sulfates

Abstract

Abstract A nickel-phosphine catalyst system consisting of nickel naphthenate, P(cyclo-C6H11)3, AlEt3, and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP) in the presence of sulfonic acids (CF3SO3H and MeSO3H) or dialkyl sulfates (Me2SO4 and Et2SO4) exhibits remarkable catalytic activity for the dimerization of propene. The catalytic activity (turnover number (TON) for the formation of C6 olefins or 2,3-dimethylbutenes) was enhanced when the catalyst was combined with effective additives, such as Et2SO4 and MeSO3H. The reaction products consisted of 2,3-dimethyl-1-butene (DMB-1) and/or 2,3-dimethyl-2-butene (DMB-2) in high yields (selectivity of dimers based on the reacted propene = 70—80%: selectivity of 2,3-dimethylbutenes in C6 olefins = 78—80%). The ratio of DMB-1/DMB-2 could be controlled by varying the molar ratios of the catalyst ingredients without decreasing in the turnover numbers. Although CF3SO3H was found to be the best additive as far as the catalytic activity and the selectivity of dimers (94—99%) are concerned, the selectivity of 2,3-dimethylbutenes in C6 olefins decreased. The addition of a small amount of water was also effective to enhance the catalytic activity: The turnover number for the formation of 2,3-dimethylbutenes was raised from 7050 to 30360.