(56a) Direct Conversion of Mixed Oxygenates to Isobutene over ZnxZryOz Mixed Oxides

Direct conversion of ethanol to isobutene has recently been reported over ZnxZryOz mixed oxide catalysts with balanced acid-base sites [1]. A complex catalytic reaction pathway to hydrocarbons starting from ethanol occurs through a combination of reactions, including alcohol dehydration, aldol condensation, dehydrogenation, and Bronsted acid-site catalyzed acetone-to-isobutene. At Pacific Northwest National Laboratory we have been exploring the use of this catalyst system for the direction conversion of a variety of oxygenated species, including acetic acid, acetaldehyde, and ethyl acetate. This presentation will discuss reaction mechanism and application for the direct conversion of complex oxygenated feed mixtures to isobutene over ZnxZryOz mixed oxide catalysts.

[1] Sun et al. 2011. J Am Chem Soc. 133: 11096-11099