Hydration and Dehydration

Dehydration of isobutylene and hydration of t-butyl alcohol can be carried out through gel-type catalysts. Direct hydration is applied to produce iso-propanol (IPA) from propylene or sec. butyl alcohol (SBA) from butylene.

IPA is widely used as a solvent for chemical processes, inks, in cosmetics, and for surface coatings. SBA is mainly produced to produce methyl ethyl ketone, which is used in printing inks, adhesives and resinous materials.

Reaction of propylene and butylene with water in the presence of a polymeric catalyst with enhanced thermal stability.