19-08-2014, 10:25 AM
n microwave assisted organic synthesis the microwave energy is introduced into the chemical reactor remotely and direct access by the energy sources to the reaction vessel is obtained. The microwave radiation passes through the wall of the vessel and heats only polar reactants and solvents, not the reaction vessel itself. The short reaction time and expanded reaction range offered by microwave assisted organic synthesis are suited to the increasing demands in the industry (Lidstrom, 2001).
In microwave assisted organic synthesis the microwave energy is introduced into the chemical reactor remotely and direct access by the energy sources to the reaction vessel is obtained. The microwave radiation passes through the wall of the vessel and heats only polar reactants and solvents, not the reaction vessel itself. The short reaction time and expanded reaction range offered by microwave assisted organic synthesis are suited to the increasing demands in the industry (Lidstrom, 2001).
Synthetic hydrocarbons are used in the formulation of lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and engine oils. Long chain hydrocarbons from C16-C24 present in some diesel fuel aid in engine lubrication and are therefore essential for the welfare of motor vehicles. Dioctyl ether is one of the better supplements for diesel fuels (Olah, 1996). Microwave leads to reduction in reaction time, enhancement in the percentage conversion and bulk heating of the reactant so we intend to synthesize C16 hydrocarbon chain by microwave assisted 2- Octanol dehydration using acid catalyst such as H2SO4 and ionic liquid (having Bronsted acidity). It is possible to greatly accelerate the rate of reactions, performed by using ionicliquids as solvents or as catalyst by using microwave (Leadbeater, 2003).
2-Octanol dehydration to 1- Octene: To synthesize C16 hydrocarbon chain by using 2- Octanol via 1-Octene dimerization first selective dehydration of 2- Octanol towards 1-Octene is sought. The formation of 1-alkene as a major product was obtained from thoria-catalyzed dehydration of secondary alcohols (Lundeen, 1963), with more than 95% selectivity for 2-octanol dehydration to 1-octene. Zirconia resembles
Thoria for both dehydration and 1-alkene selectivity in 2-ol conversions (Davis, 1997). Unsulfated zirconia is both a selective dehydration catalyst and a selective catalyst for the production of the 1-Alkene from 2-Alcohols. So it is intended to perform experiments using microwave for 2-Octanol dehydration using Zirconia as catalyst.