Zeolite Factors Impacting Alkylation Performance

Zeolites show strong hydrocarbon sorption, which increases reactant concentration in the zeolite. This effect is more pronounced at low temperature. 

There is a high concentration of acid sites in the zeolite cage, which drives consecutive bimolecular reactions. 

The preferential sorption of olefins versus paraffins in zeolites favors oligomerization over alkylation. 

Diffusional effect in zeolites impact the allowed transitional states of certain TM P isomers (2,3,4- and 2,3,3-TMP have lower steric hindrance), thereby influencing the product distribution. This eflect is more pronounced for medium-pore zeolites. Overall product similarity between zeolites and mineral acids suggests that similar or equivalent mechanisms predominate for each. 

Zeolites have numerous total acid sites, which is more importantthan the strength of each acid site. 

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