ChemInform Abstract: Solid Superacids: The Alumina/ZrCl4 System.
Abstract
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ChemInform Abstract
The formation of catalysts initiating n-alkane isomerization at low temp. by treatment of alumina supports with ZrCl4 vapor is due to the reaction of ZrCl4 with both basic surface OH groups and exposed O2- ions thus forming Lewis superacid centers. Some Broensted acid centers are also present as confirmed by ammonia adsorption. They are weaker than the Lewis acid centers. No correlation between Broensted acid site concentration and catalytic activity is observed. The mechanism of superacid site formation is discussed and a mechanism of n-pentane isomerization involving H- abstraction is postulated.
