Catalysts for the Positional Isomerization of Long-Chain Olefins

The production of alkenyl succinic anhydrides (ASA) requires double-bond isomerization of terminal, long-chain olefins using either strong acid catalysts, chain-walking catalysts, or metathesis catalysts.  Sulfonated polystyrene/DVB catalysts and acidic zeolites gave the best selectivity to internal olefins with minimal side products. Fe(CO)₅ gave superior selectivity, but required inert operating conditions.