Hydrocarbon compounds with a C=C bond at the alpha carbon
backbone chain
of the molecule. The red symbols show the common nomenclature labeling of the main chain atoms. The double bond of an alpha olefin is between the #1 and #2 (IUPAC) or α and β (common) carbon atoms.
In
alpha (α), or 1- position.[1] This location of a double bond enhances the reactivity of the compound and makes it useful for a number of applications.[2]
Classification
There are two types of alpha-olefins,
linear (or normal). The chemical properties of branched alpha-olefins with a branch at either the second (vinylidene) or the third carbon
number are significantly different from the properties of linear alpha-olefins and those with branches on the fourth carbon number and further from the start of the chain.
A variety of methods are employed for production of alpha-olefins. One class of methods starts with ethylene which is either
catalysts. A whole other approach to alpha-olefins, especially long chain derivatives, involves cracking of waxes:[2]
In the PACOL process (paraffin conversion to olefins), linear alkanes are dehydrogenated over a platinum-based catalyst.
Applications
Alpha-olefins are valued building blocks for other industrial chemicals.
A major portion of medium or long chain derivatives are converted to detergents and plasticizers. A common first step in making such products is hydroformylation followed by hydrogenation of the resulting aldehydes.
Long chain alpha-olefins are also oligomerized to give medium molecular weight oils that serve as lubricants.
Alkylation of benzene with alpha-olefins followed by ring-
linear alkylbenzene sulfonates (LABS) which are biodegradable detergents. Competing often with these petroleum-derived products are derivatives of fatty acids, such as fatty alcohols and fatty amines.[2]
