Octane number enhancement studies of naphtha over noble metal loaded zeolite catalysts

An Indian industrial naphtha containing mixture of various hydrocarbons belong to n-paraffins, isoparaffins, naphthenes and aromatics falling in C₅ to C₉ carbon range has been studied for its octane boosting through the production of isoparaffins over various Pt loaded zeolite catalysts possessing different acidity and porosity properties. Optimum balance of acid and metal functionalities in 0.6 wt.% Pt loaded on BEA zeolite helped in achieving highest increase in research octane number (RON) from 44 to 80, suitable for gasoline applications, through the production of lower isoparaffins (iC₄-iC₆) along with C₇+ isoparaffins.