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XIX. POLYMERISATION OF C₆ AND C₇ OLEFINES.

The information on this process was obtained by plant inspection and interrogation of Dr. Gericke, the foreman in charge of the plant.

The process consists of the polymerization of C₆ and C₇ olefines to C₁₂ and C₁₄ olefines which were used in the alkylation of phenol in the course of the manufacturing process for a detergent. This part of the synthesis was carried out at Höchst and only the C₁₂, C₁₄ polymers were prepared at Leuna.

The feed stock was made by dehydroation of the alcohols boiling in the iso-hexyl and iso-heptyl alcohol range and obtained in the isobutylalcohol synthesis. The olefine fractionof maximum boiling point of 203F was used feed stock.

Olefin and sulphuric acid (85%) were mixed at a rate of 105 gals. Of olefine to 663 gals. of acid per hour. The mixture was preheated in a 2-1/2” diameter lead coil (steam heating of a water bath) to about 120°F and introduced into a lead-lined tower of 3 ft. diameter and about 80 ft. height packed with iron Raschig rings. The mixture passed from the bottom of the tower into a settler from where it was recycled. Circulation was continued until a hydrocarbon sample withdrawn from the settler indicated that the desired polymerization had taken place as shewn by the results of a laboratory fractional distillation. The product was then caustic washed, water washed and distilled. The yield of desired polymer, boiling between 324 and 446°F, amounted to 50% by wt. of the olefine feed. The distillation range of the total reaction product and utilization are given as follows:

The design capacity of the plant was 440,000 lbs. Of product/month but the actual output of C₁₂, C₁₄ polymers was only 66,000-88,000 lbs/month. Samples of the olefine feed stock and polymers product were obtained for detailed examination.

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