SKELETAL ISOMERIZATION OF 1-BUTENE ON TUNGSTEN-OXIDE CATALYSTS

Several gamma-Al2O3-supported tungsten oxide catalysts have been studi ed in the skeletal isomerisation of l-butene. It appears that the pres ence of small tungsten oxide particles induces skeletal isomerisation. Large particles can be activated by prereduction treatment with hydro gen. It was shown that the selectivity and stability of the catalysts depend strongly on the tungstate loading. A sudden increase in selecti vity is observed when dimeric WO42- species are formed. A low density of active sites presents deactivation, which is caused by carbonizatio n of the catalyst due to oligomerisation of isobutene. The main by-pro ducts, C-3 and C-5 hydrocarbons, arise from the dimerisation and crack ing of isobutene. (C) 1995 Academic Press, Inc.