Processes that combine small molecules in pairs to make a larger molecule; butane alkylation uses strong acid catalysts (sulfuric or hydrofluoric acid) to combine isobutene with isobutane, producing isooctane.
(1) A chemical process in which an alkyl radical is introduced into an organic compound by substitution or addition. (2) A refinery process for chemically combining isoparaffin with olefin hydrocarbons.
A refining process for chemically combining isobutane with olefin hydrocarbons (for example, propylene, butylenes) through the control of temperature and pressure in the presence of an acid catalyst, usually sulfuric acid or hydrofluoric acid. The product, alkylate, an isoparaffin, has high-octane value and is blended with motor and aviation gasoline to improve the anti-knock value of the fuel.
Olefins such as propylene and butylene are produced by catalytic and thermal cracking. Alkylation refers to the process using sulfuric or hydro-fluoric acid as a catalyst to combine these olefins with isobutane to produce a high octane product known as alkylate.
A process using sulfuric or hydrofluoric acid as a catalyst to combine olefins and isoparaffins to produce a high-octane product known as alkylate.