Scale-Up of Synthesizing 3,3-Dimethyl-2-butyl Ketone (Pinacolone) from 2-Methyl-2-butene (β-Isoamylene) and Its Kinetic Study

Abstract

3,3-Dimethyl-2-butyl ketone (pinacolone) has received attention for its important role in organic synthesis. However, existing techniques to synthesize pinacolone come with low yields, which are detrimental to the subsequent purification and economic benefits of enterprises. In this study, a scale-up method based on mixing enhancement was developed to improve the synthesis of pinacolone from isoamylene without significant scaling-up effects. Reaction conditions such as temperature, reaction time, and molar ratios were systematically investigated in a microchannel reactor and a batch reactor. A maximum yield of 91% was obtained under batch conditions. On the basis of the proposed scale-up method, an 87% yield was achieved after a 50-fold volume scale-up. A simplified kinetic model (0.56 order with respect to 2-chloro-2-methylbutane) was also established.