ROLE OF HYDROGEN-TRANSFER IN ISOBUTENE ISOBUTANE SELECTIVITIES

A mechanisms for isobutene formation and disappearance is described. The results show that under cracking conditions high hydrogen transfer catalysts such as REY can convert isobutene to isobutane. The hydrogen transfer reaction requires relatively severe conditions or a high conversion level. Some catalysts including beta and ZSM-5 have little hydrogen transfer activity and produce higher amounts of isobutene. Non-zeolitic silica alumina materials also have low hydrogen transfer activity and can be utilized as a component of a cracking catalyst for improved isobutene production.