PRODUCTION OF BRANCHED-CHAIN HYDROCARBONS VIA ISOSYNTHESIS

The possibility of Producing branched-chain hydrocarbons, particularly i-butene, via the isosynthesis reaction is considered. The recent literature on this reaction is reviewed and the results compared with those initially obtained in Germany during the war years. Emphasis has been placed on the use of zirconia or zirconia-based catalysts which have been stabilized by the addition of various inorganic oxides. A comparison of this direct reaction route to i-butene with other existing options, such as the conversion of synthesis gas first to i-butanol, is given. The nature of the active sites and the similarity between the reaction mechanisms of the isosynthesis and the i-butanol synthesis are discussed.