Published June 1966
This report is concerned with processes for the production of the homologous series of compounds having one double bond at the terminal position of a linear paraffin chain of more than four carbon atoms, compounds known as linear alpha olefins. More commonly in the industry these linear olefins are called simply alpha olefins with the linearity assumed as part of the shorter name.
Most of the commercial interest in alpha olefins developed from the potential use of C,,-C,, alpha olefins as raw materials for the manufacture of biodegradable detergents (LAS). While this large scale use of olefins did not materialize, many new and diverse end uses for alpha olefins are emerging, and their market potential appears promising. In this report the two alpha olefin processes that have commercial significance have been analyzed in detail. The wax cracking process produces a continuous range of alpha olefins from C, to Czo by thermally cracking a paraffin wax. The other process produces a wide range of alpha olefins with even numbers of carbons from C, to C,, by the high temperature polymerization of ethylene in the presence of triethylaluminum.
Other PEP Related Reports:
