Skeletal rearrangement of alkanes over Ir/Al2O3. Transformation of n-pentane, 2-methylbutane and 2,2-dimethylbutane

Abstract

Transformation of n-pentane, 2-methylbutane and 2,2-dimethylbutane has been investigated as a function of the H₂/hydrocarbon ratio over a 10 wt % Ir/Al₂O₃ catalyst of 14 % dispersion. The selectivity of isomer formation has been observed to decrease with the increase of the H₂/hydrocarbon ratio and follow the sequence n-pentane > 2-methylbutane 2,2-dimethylbutane. The effect of the experimental conditions on the product selectivity has been interpreted considering the actual surface state of the working catalyst.