Isomerization of C5–C7 n-alkanes on unidirectional large pore zeolites: activity, selectivity and adsorption features

The hydroisomerization–hydrocracking of nC5–nC7 is studied with a 12MR unidirectional zeolite (ITQ-4). Selectivity and kinetic parameters indicate that differences in pore topology are more important than acidity for determining isomerization selectivity. The adsorption of the paraffins is determined by van der Waals interactions.