Alkenes oligomerization with resin catalysts

Abstract

The growing interest of chemical and oil refining industries in the catalytic oligomerization of alkenes for the production of synthetic fuels and additives formulated around light gasoline olefins is due to recent environmental restrictions and increasing diesel demand. Furthermore, the drive towards sustainability and the emergent contribution of biorefineries for the manufacture of intermediate and platform chemicals envisages olefins produced from biomass derived alcohols as an important feedstock for subsequent oligomerization. Over the last years much work has been published on the catalytic oligomerization of propene, butene, isobutene and isoamylene over cation exchange resins, such as Amberlyst and Purolite, and others like Nafion. For instance, isobutene dimers and trimers are accepted additives for gasoline (octane booster) and diesel (cetane booster) while isobutene higher oligomers can be a source for heavier fuels and synthetic lube oils. This paper presents a deep and critical review in the field discussing the influence of the resin (resin-type and their physical and structural properties), the operating conditions and additives used (polar compounds like alcohols), upon oligomerization conversion and selectivity. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.