| Abstract: | The kinetics of isomerization of butenes by boron trifluoride with acetic acid or methanol as cocatalysts have been re-examined. The results, over a wide concentration range, and at temperatures from ?20 to +20°C, are consistent with previous data, but it is shown that the previously suggested mechanism cannot apply. By using deuterated acetic acid as cocatalyst it has been found that isomerization exactly parallels protonation, which is consistent with a mechanism involving a classical carbonium ion. |
