CHLORINATED PLATINUM-ALUMINA LOW TEMPERATURE ISOMERIZATION CATALYSTS

Low temperature paraffin isomerization catalysts can be prepared by reaction of a platinum-alumina with various chlorinating agents. Thionyl chloride, sulfuryl chloride, sulfur monochloride, and a mixture of sulfur dioxide and chlorine can be employed at elevated temperatures to chlorinate the catalyst. Increased catalyst activity is obtained if the platinum-alumina is treated with hydrogen chloride prior to the sulfur chloride treatment. These chlorinated platinum-aluminas are capable of isomerizing butane, pentane, and hexane to near their equilibrium isomer distributions at temperatures below 350° F. In addition to the chlorination sequence, the alumina and its platinum content play major roles in determining catalyst activity. © 1969, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.