Isomerization of n-Hexane Over Platinum Ion-Exchanged Zeolite Beta

Zeolite Beta was synthesized from appropriate gels and crystallized under the controlled temperature and pressurized conditions. For isomerization of n-hexane, platinum ion-exchanged zeolite Beta exhibited high activity and selectivity for 2,2-dimethylbutane (2,2-DMB), 2,3-dimethylbutane (2,3-DMB), 2-methylpentane (2-MP) and 3-methylpentane (3-MP). As high as 72% of n-hexane conversion and 98% of product selectivity were obtained at 250°C, 1600 h^–1 for 20 min on stream. The influences of reaction temperature and space velocity were also studied. Pt/H-Beta zeolite was recommended as one of the promising catalyst for n-hexane isomerization due to its high activity and stability. The combined effect of the stronger acidity possessed by H-Beta and the dehydrogenation role played by Pt was believed to be responsible for the good catalytic performance of Pt/H-Beta.