Dehydrocyclodimerization

Name:
Dehydrocyclodimerization
Detailed information:
A method of converting paraffin (straight-chain) hydrocarbons containing from three to five carbon atoms into aromatic (ring-type) hydrocarbons. Its main steps are (1) removal of hydrogen from the paraffins; (2) dimerization of the resulting olefins; (3) aromatization of the dimerized olefins and diolefins; and (4) isomerization or transalkylation to C₈ to C₁₀ alkylbenzene isomers. Metallic catalysts are essential in some or all of these steps. The process is not in large-scale use.