t-Butyl alcohol (TBA) is an important octane enhancer that is used to replace lead additiv...

t-Butyl alcohol (TBA) is an important octane enhancer that is used to replace lead additives in gasoline [Ind. Eng. Che111. Res.,27, 2224 (1988)]. t-Butyl alcohol was produced by the liquid-phase hydration (W) of isobutene (I) over an Amberlyst-15 catalyst. The system is normally a multiphase mixture of hydrocarbon, water, and solid catalysts. However, the use of cosolvents or excess TBA can achieve reasonable miscibility.

The reaction mechanism is believed to be

Derive a rate law assuming:

(a) The surface reaction is rate-limiting.

(b) The adsorption of isobutene is limiting.

(c) The reaction follows Eley-Rideal kinetics

I.S+W→ TBA.S

and that the surface reaction is limiting.

(d) Isobutene (I) and water (W) are adsorbed on different sites

(e) What generalization can you make by comparing the rate laws derived in parts (a) through (d)?

The process flow sheet for the commercial production of TBA is shown in Figure P 10-4A-

(f) What can you learn from this problem and the process flow sheet?