Isomerization

  • This process involves alteration of the arrangement of the atoms in a molecule without changing the number of atoms.

  • Present isomerization applications in petroleum refining are to provide additional feedstock for alkylation units or high-octane fractions for gasoline blending.

  • Straight-chain paraffins (n-butane, n-pentane, and n-hexane) are converted to respective iso-compounds by continuous catalytic (aluminum chloride or noble metal catalysts) processes.