Ethyl Corporation

Amoco Corporation

Larry H Nemec

Ronny W Lin

Robert H Allen

Andrew D Overstreet

Steven P Diefenbach

Gene C Robinson

Keith G Anderson

The alpha-olefin content of mixed hydrocarbon streams is selectively utilized to produce trialkylaluminum compounds in which the alkyl groups are linear primary alkyl groups. This selective utilization is accomplished by use of a specific, highly selective low residence-time, low isomerization catalytic displacement reaction. In addition, when alpha-olefins are the desired end product, a second low residence-time catalytic displacement reaction is utilized whereby high purity alpha olefins are produced.

Process for selective utilization of alpha-olefins in mixtures

Linear 1-olefins are prepared from internal olefins by (i) reacting them in the presence of an isomerization catalyst and a tri-lower alkyl aluminum so as to cause internal olefin to isomerize to 1-olefins which displace the lower alkyl groups to form a trialkyl aluminum compound in which at least one of the alkyl groups is a linear alkyl derived from the 1-olefin, and, thereafter, (ii) reacting the trialkyl aluminum compound with a 1-olefin so as to displace the linear alkyl from the trialkyl aluminum compound, thereby forming a linear 1-olefin product which is substantially free of internal olefins.

Aluminum alkyls and linear 1-olefins from internal olefins

Linear 1-olefins are prepared from internal olefins by (i) reacting them in the presence of an isomerization catalyst and a tri-lower alkyl aluminum so as to cause the internal olefin to isomerize to 1-olefins which displace the lower alkyl groups to form a trialkyl aluminum compound in which at least one of the alkyl groups is a linear alkyl derived from the 1-olefin, and, thereafter, (ii) reacting the trialkyl aluminum compound with a 1-olefin so as to displace the linear alkyl from the trialkyl aluminum compound, thereby forming a linear 1-olefin product which is substantially free of internal olefins.

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Baton Rouge, LA, United States of America

Larry H Nemec