Catalyst Preparation Variables Research Articles

Olefin dimerization over cobalt-oxide-on-carbon catalysts: I. Propylene dimerization

Cobalt-oxide-on-carbon catalysts were studied in the propylene dimerization reaction with the aim of obtaining a reasonable yield of n-hexenes. Through an investigation of catalyst preparation variables such as activation temperature, metal oxide level, and modifier treatments, a catalyst of greatly increased activity was obtained. These variables exerted a profound effect on product distribution as well as on catalyst activity, and with the preferred catalyst system, a product containing 52% n-hexenes was obtained. Optimum conditions for the dimerization reaction were determined in both batch and continuous systems. In the latter, the optimum catalyst composition was capable of producing 100 gal of dimer product per pound of catalyst before regeneration. A mechanism for the dimerization reaction which draws upon recent advances in homogeneous catalysis is proposed.