Discrimination of the Kinetic Models for Isomerization of n-Butene to Isobutene

Abstract

There has been a considerable interest for long periods in the production of isobutene from n-butene since it can be used with methanol to produce MTBE. In this study, the general rate equation method that is based on the Bodenstein approximation and network reduction technique is used to discriminate the kinetic models for isomerization of n-butene to isobutene. For illustrating the advantages of using the general rate equation method, two proposed mechanisms from literatures were used as examples to analyze the yield ratio and to identify the correct mechanism. The experimental data published in literature were used as the test data in this study. The mechanism with the byproduct polyisobutene produced from product isobutene and adsorbed isobutene is identified as reasonable mechanism for the isomerization reaction.