Support effect on the catalytic activity and selectivity of SILP catalysts in isobutene trimerization

Oligomerization of isobutene has been carried out using silica supported Brønsted acidic ionic liquid catalysts. Silica supports with different particle size and textural properties have been used to prepare the catalysts. A close relationship between these properties and catalytic activity of the SILP material was observed. Silica supports with mesoporous structure could be converted to very active catalysts. On the other hand, the use of microporous supports resulted in the formation of catalysts with excellent C12 selectivity.

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► Good selectivity in trimerization of isobutene was achieved.
► Silica supported Brønsted acidic ionic liquids were used as catalysts.
► Close relationship exists between pore structure and catalytic activity of SILP material.