Reaction performance and disappearance kinetics of n-pentane isomerization catalyzed by chloroaluminate ionic liquid

The ionic liquid Et3NHCl-2AlCl3 effectively catalyzes the isomerization of n-pentane. With increasing n-pentane conversion, the research octane number of isomerization oil increased, but its yield, the selectivity of isopentane, and the research octane number of the isomerization product decreased. At the same n-pentane conversion, low reaction temperatures inhibit side reactions and favor the product distribution. The disappearance kinetics of n-pentane isomerization, following the first-order reaction, was investigated. The apparent activation energy and the pre-exponential factor were 29.4 kJ/mol and 9.28 s−1, respectively.

Graphical AbstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch Highlights►The ionic liquid 2AlCl3/Et3NHCl can catalyze n-pentane isomerization. ►As n-pentane conversion increases, isopentane selectivity decreases. ►Low reaction temperatures favor the isomerization of n-pentane. ►Activation energy was 29.4 kJ/mol and pre-exponential factor was 9.28 s−1.