Study of the oligomerization of 1-octene catalyzed by macroreticular ion-exchange resins

Oligomerization of 1-octene is a feasible alternative to improve the properties and the quality of fuels and lubricants oils. The performance of macroreticular ion-exchange resins as catalysts for such reaction has been evaluated. The experimental setup consisted of a batch stirred-tank reactor that operated at 353–393 K and 2 MPa. 1-Octene conversion was practically complete and the selectivity to double-bond isomerization and dimers after 6 h at 373 K was up to 95% and 12%, respectively. The accessible acidity of the catalysts was the most important structural parameter for these reactions. Selectivity to dimers and branched isomers increased with increasing temperature. Cracking compounds were not detected at all. The theoretical equations derived from the proposed kinetic model fit well the experimental results.

• Ion-exchange resins can dimerize 1-octene at 373 K without producing cracking products.
• The accessible acidity of the catalysts is the most important structural parameter.
• Selectivity to C16 and branched C8 isomers increased with increasing temperature.
• Equations derived from the proposed kinetic model fit well the experimental results.