SOLID SUPERACID CATALYSIS - KINETICS OF BUTANE ISOMERIZATION CATALYZED BY A SULFATED OXIDE CONTAINING IRON, MANGANESE, AND ZIRCONIUM

Kinetics of the isomerization of n-butane and of isobutane catalyzed b y sulfated zirconium oxide containing 1.5 wt% Fe, 0.5 wt% Mn, and 4.0 wt% sulfate at 60-degrees-C are well represented by a Langmuir-Hinshel wood equation accounting for the reaction equilibrium and for adsorpti on of both butanes. The adsorption equilibrium constants estimated fro m the kinetics data are nearly the same for the two butanes. The form of the rate equation and the observation that disproportionation accom panies isomerization suggest that the reaction proceeds via a C-8 inte rmediate.