| abstract |
Normal olefins such as n-butene can be converted to branched species by skeletal isomerization over catalysts containing solid acids prepared by sulfating catalyst precursors containing hydrous metal oxides-e.g., aluminas, silica-aluminas or clays treated with sulfuric acid, metal sulfates, sulfur trioxide or organic sulfates. The catalyst precursors are sulfated sufficiently to produce the desired skeletal isomerization without substantial cracking under suitable isomerization conditions. |