ALKYLATION OF ISOBUTANE WITH BUTENES OVER SOLID SUPERACIDS, SO4(2-) ZRO2 AND SO4(2-)/TIO2/

Solid superacids SO42-/ZrO2 and SO42-/TiO2 were applied in the alkylat ion of isobutane with butenes at a reaction temperature of 100-degrees -C. They showed high activity, selectivity and stability. The nature o f the superacid sites was discussed based on IR, X-ray diffraction, an d measurement of the acidic properties of the catalyst. An amorphous s upport was essential for preparing effective catalysts. The optimal ca lcination temperatures were 650-degrees-C and 550-degrees-C for SO42-/ ZO2 and So42-/TiO2, respectively. The catalytic activity correlates we ll with the acid strength of the catalyst. Activation of isobutane ove r the solid superacid was observed at 100-degrees-C.