Process for selective utilization of alpha-olefins in mixtures containing non-alpha-olefins
AssigneeAmoco Corporation
InventorsAndrew D. Overstreet, Robert H. Allen, Larry H. Nemec, Ronny W. Lin
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Abstract
The alpha-olefin content of mixed hydrocarbon streams is selectively utilized to produce trialkylaluminum compounds in which the alkyl groups are linear primary alkyl groups. This selective utilization is accomplished by use of a specific, highly selective low residence-time, low isomerization catalytic displacement reaction. In addition, when alpha-olefins are the desired end product, a second low residence-time catalytic displacement reaction is utilized whereby high purity alpha olefins are produced.
Claims14
A process of selectively separating linear alpha-olefins contained in a mixture of liquid hydrocarbons, said process comprising admixing (i) a hydrocarbon feed comprising at least linear alpha-olefins and internal olefins, at least some of which have boiling temperatures proximate to that of at least some of said alpha-olefins and (ii) tri-n-propylaluminum in the presence of a nickel or cobalt displacement catalyst under low residence-time, low isomerization displacement conditions comprising a reaction temperature in the range of 20.degree. to 40.degree. C. and a reaction time of less than 5 minutes, that selectively produce (iii) propylene, (iv) an alkyl aluminum product enriched in primary linear alkyl groups derived from linear alpha-olefins in said feed, and (v) a hydrocarbon mixture enriched in internal olefins, without isomerizing the internal olefins to alpha olefins.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.