The isosynthesis reaction converts syngas to isobutene and isobutane under relatively extreme reaction conditions using a thorium or zirconium-based catalyst.
Syngas is a gaseous mixture consisting of mostly of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2). Syngas is produced from the gasification of feedstocks at high temperatures under conditions where the amount of oxygen is less than what is needed for complete combustion. Syngas can be produced from many hydrocarbon feedstocks including natural gas, petroleum products, coal, and biomass.
The isosynthesis process is not currently commercial. Laboratory studies have been conducted in gas-solid fixed bed reactors and in slurry reactors.