Catalytic Aromatization and Isomerization of 2.2.4.–Trimethyl Pentane

Abstract

Hoog, Verheus and Zuiderweg¹ have concluded generally that paraffins with structures not readily permitting the formation of a six–membered carbon ring are not appreciably aromatized or isomerized over cyclization catalysts. While studying the cyclization of hydrocarbon mixtures in these laboratories, however, it was found that at 550°C. with a liquid catalyst–space velocity of 0.33 c.c./c.c./hour and a 6 atomic per cent molybdenum oxide–activated alumina catalyst in a mild steel catalyst tube, considerable formation of aromatics from pure 2.2.4. trimethyl pentane resulted, accompanied by cracking. The aromatics contained mixed xylenes, o-xylene being identified, together with some naphthalene.