HIGH-PRESSURE CATALYTIC HYDRATION OF OLEFINS OVER VARIOUS PROTON-EXCHANGED ZEOLITES

Abstract
Catalytic hydration of ethylene, propylene, and 1-butene to alcohol was investigated at high pressures using proton-exchanged zeolites. All the zeolites more or less exhibited the hydration activities. Pentasil- and ferrierite-type zeolites were the most active among the zeolite catalysts. The activities of zeolite catalysts are correlated with the amount of adsorbed water, indicating that hydrophobic acid sites are effective for olefin hydration.