The conversion of isobutane on silica-supported 12-tungstophosphoric and 12-molybdophosphoric acids: a reflection of their acidities Original Research Article

The conversion of isobutane and the selectivities to products are studied on silica-supported 12-tungstophosphoric acid (H3PW12O40, abbreviated as HPW) and 12-molybdophosphoric acid (H3PMo12O40, abbreviated as HPMo) for various loadings, reaction temperatures, contact times and times-on-stream. The conversions and selectivity patterns are markedly dissimilar for the two acids with carbenium ion and hydride transfer processes catalyzed on the former at temperatures as low as 200 °C but not on the latter, a reflection of the stronger acidic sites on the tungsten-containing acid than on 12-molybdophosphoric acid.