Alkenes oligomerization with resin catalysts

Over the last years much work has been published on the catalytic oligomerization of propene, butene, isobutene and isoamylene over cation exchange resins, such as Amberlyst and Purolite, and others like Nafion. For instance, isobutene dimers and trimers are accepted additives for gasoline (octane booster) and diesel (cetane booster) while isobutene higher oligomers can be a source for heavier fuels and synthetic lube oils. This paper presents a deep and critical review in the field discussing the influence of the resin (resin-type and their physical and structural properties), the operating conditions and additives used (polar compounds like alcohols), upon oligomerization conversion and selectivity.