Catalysis Letters, Vol.63, No.3-4, 185-188, 1999
Promotive effect of isopentane on cyclohexane isomerization catalyzed by sulfated zirconia
Cyclohexane isomerization to methylcyclopentane over sulfated zirconia is markedly enhanced in the presence of isopentane which acts as a hydride transfer agent to facilitate the slow step of hydride transfer from cyclohexane to isopropyl cation. This was revealed by deuterium tracer studies.