Hydration of ethylene in the vapour phase over NAPO-5 and ZAPO-5

Abstract

Hydration of ethylene in the vapour phase over NAPO-5 and ZAPO-5 molecular sieves has been carried out between 300 and 450°C. The products formed are isobutanol, ethanol and -butanol. The effects of temperature, time on stream and partial pressure of water vapour on ethylene conversion and products selectivity have been studied. Increase of the partial pressure of water vapour increased the selectivity of ethanol and n-butanol, but decreased the selectivity of isobutanol. Formation of ethanol and n-butanol is observed to be dependent on Bronsted acidity whereas formation of isobutanol is proved to be dependent on both Bronsted and Lewis acidities. © Indian Academy of Sciences.