Pyrolysis reactions in the presence of an alkene

Abstract

Described herein are methods for producing branched alkanes and branched alkenes from the pyrolysis of radical precursors. The branched alkanes and branched alkenes have numerous applications as fuels, platform chemicals, and solvents.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A method for producing a branched alkane, branched alkene, or a combination thereof from a biomass feedstock comprising heating the biomass feedstock in the presence of one or more alkenes. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the alkene is ethylene, propylene, butene or an isomer thereof, or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the biomass feedstock is heated under an atmosphere of alkene at a pressure of ambient to 2,000 psi. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the heating step is conducted at a temperature from 220° C. to 650° C. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the heating step is conducted at a temperature from 250° C. to 500° C. for two seconds up to 8 hours. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the heating step is conducted in the absence of supplemental hydrogen. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the heating step is conducted in the absence of a catalyst. 
     
     
         8 . A method for producing a branched alkane, branched alkene, or a combination thereof from a heavy oil comprising heating the heavy oil in the presence of one or more alkenes. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the alkene is ethylene, propylene, butene or an isomer thereof, or any combination thereof. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the heavy oil is heated under an atmosphere of alkene at a pressure of ambient to 2,000 psi. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the heating step is conducted at a temperature from 220° C. to 650° C. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the heating step is conducted at a temperature from 250° C. to 500° C. for two seconds up to 8 hours. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the heating step is conducted in the absence of supplemental hydrogen. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the heating step is conducted in the absence of a catalyst. 
     
     
         15 . A branched alkene, a branched alkane, or a combination thereof produced by the method of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         16 . A branched alkene, a branched alkane, or a combination thereof produced by the method of  claim 8 .