CRACKING OF NEOPENTANE OVER ACIDIC ZEOLITES - INFLUENCE OF ISOBUTANE AND ISOBUTENE ADMISSION

Catalytic cracking of neopentane on acidic faujasites, mordenites and ZSM-5 zeolites was studied applying a batch reactor. The reaction proc eeds with measurable rates above 523 K. Methane and isobutane are the primary products. The rate of methane formation is in good correlation with the Al contents of ZSM-5 zeolites. Isobutane is the result of an intermolecular hydride transfer. The amount of initially added isobut ene gradually decreases, while isobutane slightly increases the rate o f reaction.