Olefin oligomerization for the production of fuels and petrochemicals

Catalytic oligomerizations of light olefins have been industrially applied both in petroleum refineries, mainly for motor-fuel production, and in petrochemical industry for the manufacture of large scale chemical intermediates or fine chemicals. The oligomerization reaction can be catalyzed by means of homogeneous or heterogeneous catalytic systems. Both technologies present advantages and limitations. Biphasic liquid-liquid catalysis appears as and alternative interesting approach. (orig.)