HOMOGENEOUS CATALYST AND PROCESS FOR LIQUID PHASE ISOMERIZATION AND ALKYLATION

摘要

A discrete catalyst and processes for the isomerization of alkanes and alkenes and the alkylation of isoalkanes with alkenes under homogeneous fluid conditions. The catalyst is formed by contacting, under fluid conditions, a homogeneous fluid containing a paraffin hydrocarbon having from 4 to 12 carbon atoms (106) with a Lewis acid/protic Bronsted acid pair (182) and, if desired, a transition metal to produce a discrete catalytic complex that is soluble in the fluid (113). The discrete catalyst is the reaction product of the acid pair and alkanes and includes hydrocarbon ligands of limited chain length rendering it soluble in the fluid. The catalyst is active for the isomerization of alkanes and olefins, and the alkylation of isoalkanes (116), under homogeneous fluid conditions.