Abstract: A process of converting linear olefins to branched olefins by a skeletal isomerization reaction wherein said reaction is carried out at a temperature of between about 300.degree. C. and about 650.degree. C., under a pressure of between about 0.1 and about 100 atmospheres and a space velocity of said linear olefins of between about 0.1 and about 40 WHSV in the presence of a steamed then acid washed zeolite ferrierite catalyst.

Abstract: The method of converting n-butylenes to isobutylene by a skeletal isomrization reaction wherein said reaction is carried out at a temperature of between 300.degree. C. and 650.degree. C., under a pressure of between 0.1 and 100 atmospheres and a space velocity of said n-butylenes of between 0.1 and 40 WHSV using a cagalyst comprising a zeolite binder selected frm the group consisting of alumina, silica, silica-alumina, clay and a combination thereof, said catalyst having a pore size of at least about 4.5 angstroms and the pore size structure is characteried by intersecting 10-member ring and 8-member ring channels.

Abstract: The conversion of normal olefins such as n-butylenes can be converted to branched olefin species such as isobutylene by skeletal isomerization over zeolite-based catalysts having pore sizes of at least about 4.5 Angstroms and a pore structure characterized by intersecting 10-MR and 8 MR channels. The zeolite-based catalysts have sufficient acidity to catalyze the skeletal isomerization of normal olefins. The catalysts can be used to produce isoolefins for reaction with alcohols in integrated processes to produce alkyl tertiary alkyl ethers such as MTBE.

Abstract: Normal olefins such as n-butenes and normal alkanes such as n-butane can be coverted to branched olefin species such as isobutylene by skeletal dehydroisomerization over catalysts preferably containing metals selected from Groups IB, IIB, IIIB, IVB, VB, VIB, VIIB, VIII and the rear earth elements which are deposited upon borosilicate zeolites having pore sizes of at least about 5 Angstroms and containing boron in the framework structure thereof. The borosilicates have sufficient acidity to catalyze the skeletal isomerization of both normal alkanes and normal olefins. The catalysts can be used to produce isoolefins for reaction with alcohols in integrated processes to produce alkyl tertiary alkyl ethers such as MTBE.

Abstract: Normal olefins such as n-butene can be converted to branched species by skeletal isomerization over catalysts containing solid acids prepared by sulfating catalyst precursors containing hydrous metal oxides--e.g., aluminas, silica-aluminas or clays treated with sulfuric acid, metal sulfates, sulfur trioxide or organic sulfates. The catalyst precursors are sulfated sufficiently to produce the desired skeletal isomerization without substantial cracking under suitable isomerization conditions.