The H/D exchange reaction occurring at low temperature between small alkanes and D2O exchanged solid acids. III. The role of alkenes and carbenium ions as reaction intermediates Original Research Article

The intermolecular protium-deuterium exchange occurring between isobutane and D2O-exchanged acidic catalysts, such as sulfated zirconia and H-Beta zeolite, has been studied in the low temperature range: 20–200°C. The induction period, which is apparent at 100°C and below, is suppressed when small amounts of isobutene are added to isobutane. The results are discussed with respect to the formation of alkene intermediates from alkanes at low temperature on an acidic catalyst.