A study on the catalytic behaviors of concentrated heteropolyacid solution- I. A novel catalyst for isobutane alkylation with butene

The catalytic behaviors of a novel liquid acid catalyst (composed of hetero polyacid and acetic acid) for alkylation of isobutane with butene was inves tigated. As a solvent acetic acid had a synergistic effect. It enhanced the acid strength of HPA and its stability. The conditions for the formation o f the catalytically active phase were studied systematically. The content o f crystal water of HPA and the quantity of solvent affect the formation of active phase and the catalytic activity. Catalytically active phase consist s of HPA, acetic acid and hydrocarbon produced from the reaction, as well a s traces of water from the crystal water of HPA. This catalyst system is co mparable to the sulfuric acid in catalytic activity.