Highly efficient dimerization of isopentene catalyzed by MCM-41 supported phosphotungstic acid†

Oligomerization presents a wide range of opportunities for transforming light olefins into liquid fuels. This study centers on a novel catalyst system – phosphotungstic acid (PW) loaded onto MCM-41 prepared via impregnation, aiming to tackle these challenges. The ordered mesoporous structure, high surface area, and facile recovery of MCM-41 make it an ideal support for PW. Under the mild reaction conditions of 70 °C, 1 MPa, and 5 h, the 20% PW/MCM-41 catalyst exhibited remarkable catalytic performance, achieving an isopentene conversion rate of 77.8%, a selectivity of 93.5% towards the C10 dimer product, and a yield of 72.7%. Encouragingly, the catalyst could be reused without special treatment, maintaining a selectivity above 93% for the C10 dimer product over five cycles, showcasing outstanding stability and regeneration capability. This research not only provides robust insights into catalyst design for isopentene dimerization but also paves the way for sustainable advancements in industrial catalysis.