| abstract |
Processes are described for isomerizing one or more C 4 -C 24 alpha olefins to produce an isomerization mixture comprising one or more C 4 -C 24 internal olefins comprising contacting an olefinic feed comprising the one or more C 4 -C 24 alpha olefins with a catalyst under isomerization conditions, wherein the catalyst comprises a microporous crystalline aluminosilicate selected from the group consisting of ZSM-5, ZSM-23, ZSM-35, ZSM-11, ZSM-12, ZSM-48, ZSM-57, and mixtures or combinations thereof, and wherein the microporous crystalline aluminosilicate has a SiO 2 /Al 2 O 3 molar ratio of less than or equal to about 100. The resulting isomerization mixture typically exhibits a lower pour point and maintained biodegradability properties as compared to the olefinic feed, and is particularly useful in drilling fluid and paper sizing compositions. |