Synthesis gas to motor fuel via light alkenes

Two types of catalyst have been developed: (i) Catalysts with high selectivity for alkene production from synthesis gas, consisting of highly dispersed iron on an alumina support which has been impregnated with a lanthanide oxide, (ii) Catalysts containing tungsten oxide, conditioned and operated under specific conditions, which have high activity for the skeletal isomerization of alkenes. Together these catalysts provide the basis of a process to convert synthesis gas to branched alkenes which are important intermediates in the production of high octane gasoline. The branched C ₄ and C₅ alkenes are of particular use for the synthesis of the ethers, MTBE and TAME, which have exceptional value as octane enhancers for unleaded gasoline. Details of the catalysts, their mode of operation and an outline of an overall process are described.