Isomerization of butene over a chromia–alumina catalyst
Isomerization runs were performed in a micro-reactor at 325 °C over a range of butene partial pressure of 84 to 763 mm Hg and at a total pressure of approximately 1 atm. The isomerization rate of 1-butene passed through a maximum with increasing 1-butene partial pressure; the isomerization rate of cis- and trans-2-butene increased asymptotically with increasing cis- and trans-2-butene partial pressures respectively. Stereoselectivity was observed in the isomerization of each butene, and was found to be independent of pressure. Catalyst deactivation resulted in loss in stereoselectivity. Results suggest that surface reactions control isomerization and proceed simultaneously on different active sites.