US 4,769,504 A · Process for converting light alkanes to higher hydrocarbons

Abstract

A process is disclosed for the production of aromatic-rich, gasoline boiling range hydrocarbons from the lower alkanes, particularly from methane. The process is carried out in two stages. In the first, alkane is reacted with oxygen and hydrogen chloride over an oxyhydrochlorination catalyst such as copper chloride with minor proportions of potassium chloride and rare earth chloride. This produces an intermediate gaseous mixture containing water and chlorinated alkanes. The chlorinated alkanes are contacted with a crystalline aluminosilicate catalyst in the hydrogen or metal promoted form to produce gasoline range hydrocarbons with a high proportion of aromatics and a small percentage of light hydrocarbons (C.sub.2 -C.sub.4). The light hydrocarbons can be recycled for further processing over the oxyhydrochlorination catalyst.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A process for converting a lower alkane to higher hydrocarbons in stages comprising;

passing a reaction mixture including said lower alkane, HCl and O.sub.2 into contact with an oxyhydrochlorination catalyst to form an intermediate gaseous mixture included chlorinated alkanes and water;
drying said intermediate gaseous mixture to less than about -40.degree. C. dew point;
passing said dried intermediate gaseous mixture into contact with a crystalline aluminosilicate catalyst at a temperature in excess of 200.degree. C. to form a product mixture containing dry HCl and higher hydrocarbons than said alkane;
separating said dry HCl from said product mixture and recycling said HCl for reaction with said lower alkane and oxygen in the presence said oxyhydrochlorination catalyst.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Process for converting light alkanes to higher hydrocarbons

Life of this patent

Process for converting light alkanes to higher hydrocarbons

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17