Preparation of diisopropyl alkylates

Reports on a process variable study of the alkylation of isobutane by ethylene in the presence of a catalytic complex of aluminium chloride with diethyl ether, as evaluated by the yield and quality of the alkylates. Explains that the alkylates were debutanized, and their hydrocarbon composition was determined by gas-liquid chromatography in a Khrom-31 chromatograph. Presents graph showing the influence of the contact time on the yield and isomer composition of the alkylate. Finds that as the pressure is increased, the alkylate yield increases, but the content of the desired 2,3-dimethylbutane decreases. Points out that this is related to the increase in ethylene solubility in isobutane and a strengthening of the role of secondary alkylation reactions that lead to an increase in the quantity of the heavier fractions (C/sub 7/-C/sub 9/ and higher) in the alkylate that is obtained.