Abstract: A zeolite-catalyzed cumene synthesis process in which benzene and propylene feedstocks are pre-treated to remove catalyst poisons. The benzene feedstock is pre-treated under pressure by contact with a “hot” clay bed at a temperature of about 200 to 500° C., followed by distillation of the benzene feedstock to separate the benzene from the higher molecular weight materials formed from olefinic poisons during the hot clay treatment. The benzene feed is also subjected to a “cold” clay treatment wherein the benzene distillate is contacted with an ambient-temperature clay. The propylene feedstock is pre-treated by contact with an alumina to remove trace sodium compounds and moisture, a molecular sieve to remove moisture, and two modified aluminas to remove catalyst poisons. The pre-treated propylene and benzene feedstocks are then reacted in the presence of a zeolite catalyst to form cumene without causing rapid degradation of the catalyst's activity.

Abstract: The invention is a solid catalyst having acid strength H.sub.o less than -18. Such catalysts are characterized by the ability to react with very weak bases, such as butane, at relatively low temperatures, for example temperatures in the range from 20.degree. to 200.degree. C. The catalysts have exceptionally high activity for various hydrocarbon conversion processes, for example, because of their exceptionally high acid strength.

Abstract: Acyclic hydrocarbons having 4 to 7 carbon atoms per molecule are isomerized in the liquid phase by contact with a solid superacid catalyst comprising sulfated oxide or hydroxide of a metal selected from the group consisting of Group III and Group IV metals, to obtain high octane number blending components for motor fuel and/or valuable chemical and fuel intermediates.

Abstract: A sulfated calcined solid catalyst which comprises (1) oxide or hydroxide of Group III or Group IV, e.g. zirconium, metal, (2) oxide or hydroxide of Group V, Group VI or Group VII, e.g. manganese or molybdenum, metal and (3) oxide or hydroxide of Group VIII, e.g. iron, or cobalt metal, is used to isomerize normal alkanes having 4 to 7 carbon atoms per molecule in the liquid phase to obtain high octane number blending components for motor fuel and/or valuable chemical and fuel intermediates.

Abstract: A sulfated calcined solid catalyst is provided which comprises (1) oxide or hydroxide of Group III or Group IV, e.g. zirconium, metal, (2) oxide or hydroxide of Group V, Group VI or Group VII, e.g. manganese, metal and (3) oxide or hydroxide of Group VIII, e.g. iron, metal. In one embodiment of the invention, the catalyst is used to isomerize normal alkanes having 4 to 7 carbon atoms per molecule, to obtain high octane number blending components for motor fuel and/or valuable chemical intermediates.

Abstract: A sulfated calcined solid catalyst is provided which comprises (1) oxide or hydroxide or Group III or Group IV, e.g. zirconium, metal, (2) oxide or hydroxide or Group V, Group VI or Group VII, e.g. manganese, metal and (3) oxide or hydroxide or Group VIII, e.g. iron, metal. In one embodiment of the invention, the catalyst is used to isomerize normal alkanes having 4 to 7 carbon atoms per molecule, to obtain high octane number blending components for motor fuel and/or valuable chemical intermediates.