Complete low-barrier side-chain route for olefin formation during methanol conversion in H-SAPO-34

K. De Wispelaere, K. Hemelsoet, M. Waroquier, V. Van Speybroeck
Journal of Catalysis
305, 76-80
2013
A1

Abstract 

The methanol to olefins process is an alternative for oil-based production of ethene and propene. However, detailed information on the reaction mechanisms of olefin formation in different zeolite is lacking. Herein a first principle kinetic study allows elucidating the importance of a side-chain mechanism during methanol conversion in H-SAPO-34. Starting from the experimentally observed hexamethylbenzene, a full low-barrier catalytic cycle for ethene and propene formation is found. The olefin elimination steps exhibit low free energy barriers due to a subtle interplay between an sp3 carbon center of the organic intermediate, stabilizing non-bonding interactions and assisting water molecules in the zeolite material.

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