Butane Hydroisomerisation Using Pt‐Promoted OSDA‐Free Zeolite Beta

Abstract

AbstractHydroisomerisation of n‐butane to isobutane is a challenging reaction, even for Pt‐loaded zeolites with strong acid sites. In comparison with 10‐membered ring (10MR) zeolites, 12‐membered ring (12MR) zeolites give consistently higher isomerisation yields. We report that besides the known catalysts with *BEA topology, also three‐dimensional frameworks with MSE and YFI topologies (with Si/Al∼10) are suitable to obtain high isobutane selectivities and yields. As an alternative to Beta zeolites obtained via templated synthesis, Beta zeolites prepared via a template‐free synthesis proved to be more active at lower temperatures and delivered higher isobutane yields in such conditions. Side reactions such as the Pt‐catalysed hydrogenolysis were successfully suppressed by decreasing the Pt content, even in hydrogen‐rich conditions. Isobutane yields up to 31 % were achieved in a single pass.