The Dimersol E
process also operates at about 50◦C in the liquid phase with a Ziegler-type catalyst
that can be a nickel derivative activated by an organometallic reducing agent. Whereas
the Alphabutol process avoids isomerization, the Dimersol E features both dimerization
and isomerization, and it produces a blend of n-butenes and heavier oligomers,
depending on the feed composition, the actual type of catalyst, and the operating conditions.
For polymer-grade ethylene, the Dimersol E process yields 30–70% n-butenes
with a once-through conversion of 90–100%, with the rest being in the C6+ gasoline
fraction. Gasoline production can be further enhanced by adding propylene to the
feed. It is worth noting though that in the Dimersol E process the ratio of 1-butene to
2-butene in the product is about 1/1, still well above the equilibrium ratio at 50◦C.