EFFECT OF ACID HYDROCARBON RATIO, TEMPERATURE AND CONTACT TIME ON THEISOBUTANE-ISOBUTYLENE ALKYLATION WITH TRIFLUOROMETHANESULFONIC ACID/

The effect of the acid-hydrocarbon ratio and temperature on the isobut ane-isobutylene alkylation with trifluoromethanesulfonic acid was stud ied over the temperature range of 40 degrees C greater than or equal t o T greater than or equal to 80 degrees C. The effect of acid/hydrocar bon ratios and temperature passes through a maximum giving high qualit y alkylate of approximately 70% branched C-8 products at -30 degrees C , with a catalyst/hydrocarbon ratio of 0.5. The optimum reaction condi tions also depend on the induction period and the effect of secondary reactions influenced by contact time. TFSA is a readily recyclable aci d without the need for any purification or regeneration.