Plasma activated 1-hexene oligomerization in a gas–liquid microreactor

Abstract

The oligomerization of 1-hexene under argon plasma was investigated in a gas–liquid, continuous flow microreactor. The evolution of the yields of the reaction products as a function of residence time was studied in order to better understand the oligomerization mechanisms. Complete conversion of 1-hexene was achieved with a residence time of about 300 s. Under the best conditions, oligomers composed of 10 monomer units on average were produced in about 40% yield. However, the remaining converted hexene was transformed into light by-products mainly comprising between 6 and 12 carbons due to the radical–radical recombination taking place in the plasma gaseous phase. Theoretical calculations and a comparison with 1-dodecene provided a better understanding on the chemical processes taking place in the microreactor, and great insight into possible process improvements. The results presented herein reveal a promising and environmentally friendly new route for the synthesis of short olefin oligomers through plasma activation.