OLEFIN OLIGOMERIZATION VIA ZEOLITE CATALYSIS

Oligomerization of terminal and internal long-chain, linear olefins ha s been successfully demonstrated using large pore zeolites with high s ilica-to-alumina ratios as catalysts. Both reactant and product select ivities have been demonstrated using 12-membered ring zeolites for the oligomerization of C-12-C18 olefins. The catalytic activity of these zeolites decreases in the order faujasite > mordenite > pentasil; the activity of the Y-zeolites depends primarily upon the silica-to-alumin a molar ratio, but not on the total acidity. 1-tetradecene oligomeriza tion, followed by oligomer hydrogenation, yields synthetic lubricant b ase stocks with excellent physical characteristics.