Comparison of alkylation processes

Currently, there are three synthetic methods for producing isooctane through carbon tetraalkylation: the solid acid method, the sulfuric acid method, and the hydrofluoric acid method. Among them, both the sulfuric acid method and the hydrofluoric acid method are mature and reliable processes that are widely used both domestically and internationally ； The solid acid-based isooctane synthesis technology faces some bottlenecks in industrial application. The hydrofluoric acid-based isooctane synthesis plant has the advantages of carrying out reactions at room temperature without the need for a refrigeration system. However, the catalyst hydrofluoric acid is highly corrosive, toxic, and volatile; certain materials used in the plant must be made of Monel alloy, and its impact on the environment is greater than that of sulfuric acid. The isooctane synthesis plant using the sulfuric acid method relies on low-temperature reactions, which requires the installation of a refrigeration compression system; moreover, it consumes a large amount of acid, necessitating waste acid treatment facilities ； As a catalyst, the environmental impact of sulfuric acid’s corrosivity is less than that of hydrofluoric acid.