Improved direct production of 2,3-dimethylbutenes and 3,3-dimethylbutene from 2-methylpropene on tungsten hydride based catalysts

Abstract

2-Methylpropene in the presence of W-H/Ni 1%-Al 2O 3-(500) is transformed in high selectivity into a mixture of 2,3-dimethylbutenes (2,3-DMBs = DMB-1 and DMB-2) and neohexene. 2,3-DMBs arise from the unfavoured 2-methylpropene self-metathesis reaction whereas the neohexene originates from a cascade reaction: 2-methylpropene dimerisation followed by cross metathesis. © 2012 The Royal Society of Chemistry.