New Catalytic Approaches for Producing Alternative to MTBE Additives for Reformulation of Gasoline

Due to the lead phase out that began in 1973, refiners had to replace the octane loss in gasoline. For this purpose, oxygenates and highly branched alkylates will play a major role as gasoline additives because they have relatively high octane ratings. Methyl tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE) is the oxygenate as a gasoline additive the most widely used nowadays in most of the countries in the world. It is used to raise octane levels, enhance engine performance, improve combustion efficiency and to reduce emissions of air pollutants such as carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons.