Alkylation of isobutane and butene using chloroaluminate imidazolium ionic liquid as catalyst: Effect of organosulfur compound additive

Alkylation of isobutane and butene was carried out in a batch unit using 1-buty 1-3-methylimidazolium chloride (BMIC)-aluminium (III) chloride (AlCl3) ionic liquid as catalyst. The effects of additives of butyl thioalcohol and ethyl thioether on the properties of ionic liquids for alkylation were investigated. Improvement of production distribution with high yields of isooctane and selectivity of TMP under a mild reaction condition was observed after addition of butyl thioalcohol. Moreover, the effects of operating variables were investigated and the mechanism was discussed.