A new method for elucidating elementary reaction steps in zeolite
catalysis was demonstrated for reactions
of isobutene and other monoolefins on HZSM5. Radiolysis was used
to “spin label” reaction products, and
EPR was used for product analysis. The evolution of products was
revealed by quenching the reactions
cryogenically in a series of equilibration experiments. Isobutene
dimerization and isomerization occur on
HZSM5 even at 77 K, and cracking occurs below room temperature.
The radiolysis/EPR results allow a
consistent interpretation of the literature on EPR signals that arise
spontaneously upon interaction of acyclic
olefins with air-activated H-Mordenite and HZSM5.