Synthesis of Isobutene and Isobutane from Synthesis Gas. A Literature Review Since 1992

The isosynthesis reaction is commonly referred as the reaction that selectively converts synthesis gas to isobutene and isobutane. The main feature of this reaction is the production of branched hydrocarbons in higher proportion with respect to linear hydrocarbons than expected from thermodynamic equilibrium and with a molecular weight distribution favoring iso-C4 hydrocarbons. This article reviews and summarizes isosynthesis research results reported in the open scientific literature with emphasis on the articles published in the last two decades.