Process for the isomerization of linear hydrocarbons containing at least 7 carbon atoms, catalyzed by molybdenum oxycarbide

Abstract From the Canadian patent

The invention consists in an isomerisation process of aliphatic linear hydrocarbons where the number of carbon atoms is greater than 6 to make branched hydrocarbons thus presenting a greater octane index. The process consists in putting hydrocarbons diluted in hydrogen through a molybdenum oxycarbide-based catalyst obtained either from molybdenum carbide subjected to controlled oxidation or from a hydrocarbon-reduced molybdenum trioxide MoO3. The advantage of the invention as compared to catalysts in the prior art is that it enables a high specificity of branched isomers to be attained regardless of the conversion rate which adds value to n-heptane and n-octane petroleum fractions.