Heterogeneous oligomerization of light alkenes: 80 years in oil refining

Existing industrial technologies for the production of motor fuel compounds by the heterogeneous oligomerization of light С 2 –С 4 alkenes are considered, along with ones promising for the practical use. Such basic types of systems used as heterogeneous catalysts in these processes as solid phosphoric acid, amorphous alumosilicates, zeolites, ion-exchange resins, anion-modified metal oxides, and nickel-containing catalysts, are described. Special attention is given to the dimerization of iso -butylene with the formation of iso -octene and its subsequent hydrogenation to iso-octane.