Abstract: Processes for the disproportionation and isomerization of a hydrocarbon feed using a liquid catalyst comprising an ionic liquid and a carbocation promoter are described. The ionic liquid is unsupported, and the reactions occur at temperatures below the decomposition temperature of the ionic liquid, typically below about 250° C. The process includes isomerizing a hydrocarbon feed comprising normal C6 alkane or branched C6 alkane by contacting the hydrocarbon feed with a liquid catalyst in a reaction zone to form a product mixture. Isomerization reaction mixtures are also described.

Abstract: Processes for the disproportionation and isomerization of a C7 hydrocarbon feed using a liquid catalyst comprising an ionic liquid and a carbocation promoter are described. The ionic liquid is unsupported, and the reactions occur at temperatures below about 200° C.

Abstract: Processes for the disproportionation and isomerization of a hydrocarbon feed using a liquid catalyst comprising an ionic liquid and a carbocation promoter are described. The ionic liquid is unsupported, and the reactions occur at temperatures below about 200° C.

Abstract: Processes for the disproportionation and isomerization of a C4 hydrocarbon feed using a liquid catalyst comprising an ionic liquid and a carbocation promoter are described. The ionic liquid is unsupported, and the reactions occur at temperatures below about 300° C.

Abstract: Processes for the disproportionation and isomerization of a C5 hydrocarbon feed using a liquid catalyst comprising an ionic liquid and a halocarbon carbocation promoter are described. The ionic liquid is unsupported, and the reactions occur at temperatures below about 200° C.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and apparatuses for isomerization of paraffins are provided. In one example, a method comprises the steps of compressing a C4? hydrocarbons-containing stabilizer vapor stream to form a compressed C4? hydrocarbons-containing stabilizer stream. A C4 hydrocarbons-containing feed stream that comprises unbranched C4 hydrocarbons is contacted with a chloride-promoted isomerization catalyst in the presence of hydrogen to form a branched C4hydrocarbons-containing reaction zone effluent. At least a portion of the compressed C4? hydrocarbons-containing stabilizer stream is combined with the branched C4 hydrocarbons-containing reaction zone effluent to form a C4 hydrocarbons-containing combined stream. The C4 hydrocarbons-containing combined stream is separated into a C3? hydrocarbons-containing stabilizer vapor stream and a C4 hydrocarbons-rich product stream that comprises branched C4 hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The service life and deactivation rate of a paraffin isomerization catalyst is improved through use of a new sulfur guard bed containing a chloride additive. This sulfur guard bed, which contains supported CuO material having an increased resistance to reduction, shows such improvement. Thus, the danger of run-away reduction followed by a massive release of water and deactivation of an isomerization catalyst is practically eliminated. The fact that the guard bed material preserves the active metal phase-copper in an active (oxide) form is an important advantage leading to very low sulfur content in the product stream. The sulfur capacity per unit weight of sorbent is also significantly increased, making this sorbent a superior cost effective sulfur guard product.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising: a) an alkylation reactor holding an ionic liquid catalyst and a reactant mixture, b) a means for measuring levels of a halide in an effluent from the alkylation reactor, and c) a control system that receives a signal in response to the measuring and communicates changes in an operating condition that influences the yield of products from the reactant mixture. The control system is responsive to deviations outside a predetermined range of halide level that has been selected to obtain a ratio of a yield of an alkylate gasoline and a yield of a middle distillate from 0.31 to 4.0 in the product from the alkylation reactor.

Abstract: A process for isomerizing a saturated hydrocarbon, by performing the isomerization in the presence of a superacidic ionic liquid comprising an organic cation and an inorganic anion, where the anion is a superacidic aluminum trichloride-Lewis base adduct, and of an olefin.

Abstract: A method for producing adamantane includes isomerizing exo-tetrahydrodicyclopentadiene into adamantane in an acidic chloroaluminate ionic liquid composed of aluminum(III) trichloride and a quaternary ammonium halide having a quaternary ammonium cation selected from a group consisting of tetraalkylammonium, dialkylpyridinium, and trialkylimidazolium.

Abstract: A process for the conversion of linear and/or branched paraffin hydrocarbons based on the use of an ionic liquid catalyst in combination with a metal salt additive, which provides a catalytic composition with an increased activity, compared with said ionic liquid. Under suitable reaction conditions this conversion is leading to paraffin hydrocarbon fraction with higher octane number.

Abstract: A process for the production of triptane, said process comprising: isomerising a hydrocarbon feedstock by containing said feedstock with an isomerisation catalyst at a reaction temperature of ?50 to 25° C., and a contact time of 0.01 to 150 hours, such that the triptane selectivety of the isomerisation reaction is at least 5% as a proportion of said hydrocarbon feedstock.

Abstract: A catalyst composition comprising an alumina carrier, a Group VIII noble metal, and a halogen compound wherein the catalyst composition has total pore volume of more than 0.48 ml/g and wherein at least 50% of this total pore volume resides in pores with a diameter smaller than 12 nm. This catalyst composition has a higher activity in isomerization reactions, per gram of catalyst and per gram of Group VIII noble metal, than prior art catalyst compositions.

Abstract: A procedure for the alkylation of isobutane by olefinic hydrocarbons, in which a first hydrocarbon charge (3) rich in isobutane is put in contact with a second hydrocarbon charge rich in light olefins (2), under conditions that will provoke the alkylation of the isobutane by the light olefins, the effluents that emanate from the reaction area in a fractionation column (6) are treated in order to extract therefrom at least a first cut rich in alkylate (7), a second cut rich in normal butane (8) and a third cut rich in isobutane (9), said third cut (9) is then recycled at the entry of the alkylation reaction area. The second cut (8) rich in normal butane is purified (12) so as to lower its content in compounds with 5 or more carbon atoms to a value that is less than or equal to 5% by weight, the cut thus purified (14) is treated in an isomerization reactor (16) of normal butane to isobutane, this cut is then recycled (21) at the entry of the alkylation effluents fractionation column (6).

Abstract: A process for the production of triptane, said process comprising: isomerising a hydrocarbon feedstock by containing said feedstock with an isomerisation catalyst at a reaction temperature of −50 to 25° C., and a contact time of 0.01 to 150 hours, such that the triptane selectivety of the isomerisation reaction is at least 5% as a proportion of said hydrocarbon feedstock.

Abstract: A process for the conversion of linear and/or branched paraffin hydrocarbons based on the use of an ionic liquid catalyst in combination with a metal salt additive, which provides a catalytic composition with an increased activity, compared with said ionic liquid. Under suitable reaction conditions this conversion is leading to paraffin hydrocarbon fraction with higher octane number.

Abstract: A novel supported bimetallic catalyst comprises a group VIII metal such as platinum, and tin, at least a portion of which interacts strongly with the group VIII metal in the catalyst in the reduced state. In the partially oxidized state, the catalyst of the invention contains at least 10% of tin in the form of a reduced tin species with oxidation state 0, said species having an isomer shift in the range 0.80 to 2.60 mm/s and a quadrupolar splitting in the range 0.65 to 2.00 mm/s. The invention also concerns the preparation of said catalyst, and processes using said catalyst for transforming hydrocarbons into aromatic compounds, such as gasoline reforming processes and aromatic production processes.

Abstract: The fractional distillation performed as part of the isomerization of C5-C6 paraffins is heat integrated. A portion of a sidedraw recycle stream is employed to cool the feed to a deisohexanizer column and then returned to a lower portion of the column. This reduces the reflux demand of the column and the operating cost of the process.

Abstract: A process and/or system is provided for isomerizing a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising saturated C6 hydrocarbons by contacting the hydrocarbon feedstock, in the presence of hydrogen and optionally a chloride, with a first isomerization catalyst composition in a first isomerization reactor defining a first reaction zone operated at a first reaction temperature, withdrawing a first intermediate stream comprising cyclohexane and n-hexane from the first reaction zone, separating the first intermediate stream, via a first separator, into a first product stream comprising cyclohexane and a second intermediate stream comprising n-hexane, contacting the second intermediate stream, in the presence of hydrogen and optionally a chloride, with a second isomerization catalyst composition in a second isomerization reactor defining a second reaction zone operated at a second reaction temperature greater than the first reaction temperature, and withdrawing from the second reaction zone a second product stream comprising isoh

Abstract: A process for isomerising a feed comprising normal paraffins containing 5 to 8 carbon atoms per molecule as a major portion in the presence of hydrogen is characterized in that the sum of the amounts of normal paraffins containing 7 and 8 carbon atoms per molecule contained in the feed is in the range 2% to 90% by weight with respect to the feed, and in that said feed is treated in at least one reaction zone containing at least one catalyst in a fixed bed, said catalyst comprising a support, at least one halogen and at least one group VIII metal, the reaction being carried out at a temperature in the range 30° C. to 150° C.

Abstract: An improved catalyst is disclosed for the conversion of hydrocarbons. The catalyst comprises an alumina support, a Friedel-Crafts metal halide, and a platinum-group metal component, wherein the support comprises primarily eta alumina and a small amount of gamma alumina and has a defined pore-size and acidity characteristics. An isomerization process also is disclosed which is particularly effective for the conversion of C4-C7 alkanes.

Abstract: The invention concerns a catalyst containing at least one halogen, at least one metal from group VIII and a formed support comprising gamma alumina and optionally eta alumina, the catalyst being characterized in that the smallest average dimension of said support is in the range 0.8 mm to 2 mm and in that the halogen content is in the range 4.5% to 15% by weight. The invention also concerns the preparation of said catalyst, preferably with chlorination (in the case where the halogen is chlorine) in the presence of CCl4 or CHCl3. The invention also concerns the use of the catalyst for the isomerisation of normal C4-C6 paraffins.

Abstract: An isomerization process for converting an isomerization feed stream containing alkanes having about 4 carbon atoms to about 10 carbon atoms per molecule and cycloalkanes having about 5 carbon atoms to about 10 carbon atoms per molecule to at least one product hydrocarbon isomer. The isomerization feed stream, which contains at least one feed hydrocarbon and hydrogen, is contacted in an isomerization zone at effective isomerization conditions with a catalyst where deactivation of such catalyst occurs in the isomerization zone. The isomerization process includes the presence of an additive in the isomerization feed stream. The concentration of the additive is sufficient to alleviate or diminish the deactivation of the catalyst and to maintain a substantially constant conversion of the at least one feed hydrocarbon to the at least one product hydrocarbon isomer at effective isomerization conditions.

Abstract: A catalyst system comprising a first solid material comprising activated carbon and at least one carburized transition metal; and a second solid material comprising at least one halogen component and alumina, and a method of preparing such catalyst system which comprises mixing a first solid material comprising activated carbon and at least one carburized transition metal and a second solid material comprising at least one halogen component and alumina are disclosed. The thus-obtained catalyst system is employed as a catalyst in the isomerization of a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising saturated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A catalyst system comprising alumina, at least one carburized transition metal, and at least one halogen component, and a method of preparing such catalyst system which comprises incorporating at least one transition metal compound into alumina thereby forming a transition metal-alumina compound; carburizing the transition metal-alumina compound thereby forming a carburized transition metal-alumina compound; and incorporating at least one halogen component into the carburized transition metal-alumina compound, are disclosed. The thus-obtained catalyst system is employed as a catalyst in the isomerization of a hydrocarbon feedstock comprising saturated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing branched aliphatic ketones in hydrocarbon mixtures from isoalkanes by a superacid catalyzed formylation-rearrangement reaction. The method can be used to simultaneously isomerize, if necessary, and formylate hydrocarbons in complex hydrocarbon mixtures such as refinery streams, alkylate mixtures, and natural gas liquids. Natural gas liquids of low octane number are upgraded and oxygenated by adding to the natural gas liquids or reactively producing in the liquids branched aliphatic ketones.

Abstract: An adsorption arrangement in combination with a catalytic hydrocarbon conversion process suspends non-hydrocarbon materials that act to enhance the operation of the conversion zone by using an adsorption zone arrangement to keep the compounds in recirculation about the reaction zone and integrates the adsorption zone arrangement with a chiller to increase the recovery of C.sub.4 hydrocarbons. The process of this invention is particularly useful for the isomerization of hydrocarbons wherein the adsorption zone arrangement operates to maintain chloride compounds in the reaction zone and to prevent contamination of product streams with the chloride compounds while increasing the recovery of C.sub.4 hydrocarbons. This invention can be used in combination with traditional adsorptive methods of removing contaminant from feedstreams that enter reaction zones.

Abstract: A method of isomerizing n-paraffins into isoparaffins in a cut of hydrocarbons with four carbon atoms or of hydrocarbons with five and/or six carbon atoms. The cut being processed enters at least one reactor containing a stationary catalyst bed. The charge travels over the bed. Either the rate of isomerization in the effluents or a parameter directly dependent thereon (such as the octane number) is preferably continuously measured. Some of the upstream catalyst, specifically between 1/3 and 2/3, is replaced with fresh catalyst once that rate has decreased 10 to 30% below a prescribed point. The charge is redirected through the reactor once the catalyst has been replaced.

Abstract: A process for the isomerization of hydrocarbons using a chloride promoted catalyst wherein an adsorption zone arrangement operates to maintain chloride compounds in the reaction zone and to prevent contamination of product streams with chloride compounds removes normal paraffins from the desorbent stream to extend the capacity and life of a clinoptilolite molecular sieve. The invention preferably uses isoparaffins recovered from the isomerization zone as a desorbent. A gaseous fraction of the isomerization zone effluent can be recovered to provide a desorbent containing a low concentration of normal paraffins.

Abstract: A catalyst composition is prepared by a method comprising impregnating alumina with at least one platinum compound, followed by calcining, reducing treatment, and heating with gaseous aluminum chloride and gaseous titanium tetrachloride. The thus-prepared catalyst composition is employed in the isomerization of saturated C.sub.4 -C.sub.8 hydrocarbons (alkanes and/or cycloalkanes), preferably n-butane.

Abstract: A process of converting high molecular hydrocarbon feedstock into lower molecular weight components in the presence of a homogenous catalysis system is disclosed. The catalysis system comprises a catalyst complex formed by the interaction of a metal halide-type Lewis acid, a protic Bronsted acid or Bronsted acid donor and a fluid hydrocarbon selected from a C.sub.2 -C.sub.14 alkane dissolved in a fluid hydrocarbon. The homogeneous catalysis system can be produced as a liquid phase or a supercritical fluid solution. The process is especially useful where the hydrocarbon feedstock consists of deasphalted oil or mixed paraffins. The hydrocrackate, especially that derived from paraffin feedstocks, has a carbon number distribution equivalent to that of the fluid hydrocarbon of the catalyst complex.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for reducing the benzene content of petrol fractions, in which hydrogenation is carried out on a feed with the following composition by weight: 40% to 80% of paraffins, 0.5% to 7% of cyclic hydrocarbons and 6% to 45% of aromatics, and with a maximum distillation temperature of between 70.degree. C. and 90.degree. C., followed by isomerisation of the effluent from the hydrogenation step, mixing said feed and/or said effluent with a C.sub.5 -C.sub.6 cut; said process being characterised in that an isomerisation catalyst is used which contains chlorine and at least one group VIII metal deposited on a support composed of a mixture of specific proportions of eta alumina and gamma alumina.

Abstract: A discrete catalyst and processes for the alkylation of isoalkanes with alkenes under homogenous fluid conditions. The catalyst is formed by contacting, under fluid conditions, a homogenous fluid containing a paraffin hydrocarbon having from 4 to 12 carbon atoms with a Lewis acid/protic Bronsted acid pair to produce a discrete catalytic complex that is soluble in the fluid. The discrete catalyst is the reaction product of the acid pair and alkanes and includes hydrocarbon ligands of limited chain length rendering it soluble in the fluid. The catalyst is active for the alkylation of isoalkanes, under homogenous fluid conditions.

Abstract: A catalyst is provided based on chlorinated eta alumina incorporating platinum and germanium and tin, as well as chlorine. This catalyst can be used in a process for the isomerization of a charge rich in normal C.sub.4 -C.sub.6 -paraffins, without hydrogen recycling.

Abstract: Materials which have been prepared by a method which includes the steps of (1) impregnating alumina with a sulfate of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of copper, iron, cobalt, nickel, manganese, zinc and magnesium, (2) calcining the thus-obtained impregnated alumina materials, and (3) heating the calcined materials with AlCl.sub.3 and at least one chlorinated hydrocarbon (preferably CCl.sub.4) at a temperature of about 40.degree.-90.degree. C. are employed as catalysts in the isomerization of C.sub.5 -C.sub.10 cycloalkanes (preferably methylcyclopentane). A select group of the thus-prepared materials are employed as catalysts in the isomerization of C.sub.4 -C.sub.10 alkanes (preferably n-pentane and 2-methylbutane). Preferably, the catalyst preparation method also includes a step of treating the calcined impregnated alumina materials with gaseous hydrogen chloride before they are heated with AlCl.sub.3 and the chlorinated hydrocarbon(s).

Abstract: Isomerization catalyst compositions are prepared by heating aluminum chloride, at least one of several metal salts (preferably CuSO.sub.4), at least one of several inorganic support materials (alumina, silica, aluminum phosphate and combinations thereof) and at least one chlorinated hydrocarbon (preferably CCl.sub.4) at a temperature of about 40.degree.-90.degree. C. The dried catalyst compositions are used for the isomerization of C.sub.5 -C.sub.10 cycloalkanes and/or C.sub.4 -C.sub.10 alkanes.

Abstract: In one embodiment, C.sub.4 -C.sub.10 alkanes and/or C.sub.5 -C.sub.10 cycloalkanes are isomerized in the presence of a catalyst which has been prepared by heating AlCl.sub.3, at least one aluminum sulfate-containing support material and at least one chlorinated hydrocarbon (preferably CCl.sub.4) at about 40.degree.-90.degree. C., followed by separating the formed solid from the chlorinated hydrocarbon.In another embodiment, C.sub.5 -C.sub.10 cycloalkane(s) are isomerized in the presence of a catalyst which has been prepared by heating AlCl.sub.3, at least one sulfur-containing acid (H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 and/or ClSO.sub.3 H and/or FSO.sub.3 H and/or CF.sub.3 SO.sub.3 H) and at least one chlorinated hydrocarbon (preferably CCl.sub.4) at about 40.degree.-90.degree. C., followed by separating the formed solid from the chlorinated hydrocarbon.

Abstract: A method of preparing high density fuels by the addition-rearrangement of pentacyclo[7. 5. 1. O.sup.2,8 . O.sup.3,7 . O.sup.10,14 ]pentadecane. The process comprises the steps of:(a) reacting pentacyclo[7. 5. 1. O.sup.2,8 . O.sup.3,7 . O.sup.10,14 ]pentadecane with an adequate amount of super acid and solvent under inert gas condition to obtain a solution and maintaining at a reaction temperature of 0.degree. C. to 200.degree. C. and a pressure of about 1.0 atmosphere to about 100 atmospheres for a period of from about 10 minutes to about 100 hours to obtain a solution;(b) stirring the solution for a suitable time to complete the addition-rearrangement reaction;(c) separating the reaction mixture in water to obtain an aqueous layer and an organic layer.(d) washing the organic layer with an alkali solution to eliminate any residual acid; and(e) purifying the organic layer by distillation to obtain the desired product.

Abstract: The isomerization activity of hydroisomerization catalyst is recovered by subjecting the catalyst to a wash using light aromatic solvents at elevated temperature, e.g. toluene at 300.degree. C. This hot aromatic solvent wash may be preceded by a hot hydrogen containing gas strip. Catalyst activity can be maintained by the continuous or periodic addition of light aromatic solvent or light aromatic containing materials to the feeds sent to the isomerization catalyst.

Abstract: A catalyst composition is prepared by mixing at least an aluminum halide (preferably AlCl.sub.3), at least one copper(II) salt (preferably CuCl.sub.2), calcium aluminate and at least one alcohol (preferably ethanol), shaping the mixture, and drying the shaped particles. The thus-obtained catalyst composition is employed in the isomerization of alkanes and/or cycloalkanes.

Abstract: Boron, aluminum and gallium C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 perfluoroalkane-sulfonates (CF.sub.3 (CF.sub.2).sub.n SO.sub.3).sub.3 M (M=B, A1, Ga; n=0-17) as well as perfluororesin sulfonates such as Nafionates are new, highly effective Friedel-Crafts catalysts. In contrast to volatile aluminum and boron trihalides, the Group III-B perfluoroalkanesulfonates are generally of low or no volatility and, except for boron triflate and some of its homologs, only sparingly soluble incommon organic solvents. This allows their use as solid or supported Friedel-Crafts catalysts of wide utility and scope in continuous heterogenous catalytic processes. At the same time, boron triflate and related lower perfluoroalkanesulfonates are particularly efficient soluble catalysts in solution reactions.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for improving the thermal stability of polyalpha-olefin lubricants by contacting the lubricant with an acidic catalyst for a time and at a temperature sufficient to achieve the skeletal isomerization of the molecular structure of the lubricant. The reaction is carried out preferably on unhydrogenated synthetic lubricants in contact with Lewis acid catalysts. Following the isomerization reaction, the unsaturated lubricant is hydrogenated to produce lubricant with better thermal stability. Surprisingly, when the isomerization reaction is carried out using unsaturated oligomer produced from the oligomerization of alpha-olefins in contact with reduced Group VIB metal oxide catalyst on porous support as starting material the viscometric properties of the lubricant, e.g., viscosity and VI, are not significantly altered, although the thermal stability of the lubricant is substantially increased. The reaction of the present invention may be carried out in the presence of a solvent or neat.

Abstract: Normal butane is isomerized to isobutane by means of a catalyst composition consisting essentially of 95 to 99 weight percent fluorosulfuric acid and 1 to 5 weight percent of a protic co-acid selected from the group consisting of hydrogen fluoride, sulfuric acid, trifluoromethanesulfonic acid and mixtures thereof. The isomerization is carried out under low temperatures and at short contact times.

Abstract: A process is provided for dewaxing hydrocarbon feedstock by isomerizing the waxy components of the feedstock over catalyst comprising a siliceous zeolite having been prepared by the method comprising providing a boron-containing zeolite Beta, treating the zeolite with silicon tetrachloride at a temperature and for a time sufficient to replace boron with silicon, and recovering the siliceous zeolite having reduced boron content but substantially preserved initial aluminum content.

Abstract: A catalytic treatment process is disclosed, which is carried out under pressure, in the presence of water, and with a molecular sieve catalyst which is TEA-silicate or silicalite previously stabilized by halogenation. This process may be applied to the aromatization or to the isomerization of hydrocarbon feedstocks, and to the oligomerization of olefins. The conversion rate of the process is very stable as a function of time.

Abstract: Method of preparing a hydrocarbon conversion and polymerization catalyst comprising reacting an adsorbent containing surface hydroxyl groups with a Lewis acid in a halogenated organic solvent.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon conversion process is disclosed wherein a hydrocarbon feed is contacted with a reforming catalyst in the presence of a halogen at conditions which favor dehydrocyclization, isomerization, and dehydroisomerization of the hydrocarbon feed. The degree of the isomerization and dehydroisomerization is controlled by adjusting the amount of halogen present. The amount of halogen present can be adjusted on stream by the addition of halogen-containing gas or water. The reforming catalyst comprises a large-pore zeolite, containing at least one Group VIII metal. In one embodiment, the reforming catalyst comprises: (a) a large-pore zeolite containing barium and platinum; and (b) an acidic or acidifiable inorganic binder selected from the group consisting of silica-alumina, zirconia-silica and alumina.

Abstract: The present invention relates to supported superacidic catalysts comprising C.sub.4 -C.sub.18, preferentially C.sub.6 to C.sub.12, perfluorinated alkanesulfonic acid absorbed on suitable supports, such as fluoridated alumina, alumina silica and other chalcides having bonded thereto subsequently a Lewis acid compound selected from the higher valency fluorides of the elements of Groups IIA, IIIA, IVB, VA or VIB of the Periodic Table. The invention includes a process for catalytic transformation of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to supported superacidic catalysts comprising C.sub.4 -C.sub.18, preferentially C.sub.6 to C.sub.12, perfluorinated alkanesulfonic acid absorbed on suitable supports, such as fluorinated alumina, alumina silica and other chalcides having bonded thereto subsequently a Lewis acid compound selected from the higher valency fluorides of the elements of Groups IIA, IIIA, IVB, VA or VIB of the Periodic Table. The invention includes a process for catalytic transformation of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A process is described for non-cyclic paraffin isomerization under strong acid conditions in which an adamantane hydrocarbon is used to substantially increase the reaction rate of the isomerization.