Trimerization of isobutene over WO_x/ZrO₂ catalysts

Trimerization of isobutene to produce isobutene trimers has been investigated over WO_x/ZrO₂ catalysts that were obtained by wet-impregnation and successive calcination at high temperatures. Very stable isobutene conversion and high selectivity for trimers are attained over a WO_x/ZrO₂ catalyst obtained by calcination at 700 °C. From the XRD study it can be understood that tetragonal ZrO₂ is beneficial for stable performance; however, monoclinic ZrO₂ is not good for trimerization. Nitrogen adsorption and FTIR experiments suggest that amorphous WO_x/ZrO₂ is inefficient catalyst even though it has high surface area and high concentration of acid sites. The observed performance with the increased selectivity and stable conversion demonstrates that a WO_x/ZrO₂ having tetragonal zirconia, even with decreased porosity and acid sites, is one of the best catalysts to exhibit stable and high conversion, high selectivity for trimers and facile regeneration.