Selective Hydroalkoxylation of 1-Hexene with 1-Propanol and 1-Butanol over Zeolite Beta Catalyst

摘要

Etherification of 1-hexene with 1-propanol and 1-butanol representative of bioalcohols was performed in a liquid-phase continuous-flow process over a fixed bed of zeolite beta catalyst. Contact time and reaction temperature were optimized to maximize conversion and limit deactivation. The catalyst was stable for at least 14h on stream. In the conversion of 1-hexene with 1-propanol, zeolite beta catalyst showed over 90% selectivity for 2-propoxyhexane. In the conversion of 1-hexene and 1-butanol, 2-butoxyhexane was selectively formed. Dialkyl ether from the alcohol and dodecenes and hexanol from 1-hexene were the main side products. As 1-alkenes and terminal alcohols can be synthesized from biomass, this hydroalkoxylation process could be used for grading up green chemicals to high-boiling solvents and renewable ethers for the diesel pool.