Isomerization

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-015025",
  "term": "Isomerization",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "1. A reaction that catalytically converts straight-chain hydrocarbon molecules into branched-chain molecules of substantially higher octane number. The reaction rearranges the carbon skeleton of a molecule without adding or removing anything from the original material.\n\n2. A refining process that alters the fundamental arrangement of atoms in the molecule without adding or removing anything from the original material. Used to convert normal butane into isobutane (C4), an alkylation process feedstock, and normal pentane and hexane into isopentane (C5) and isohexane (C6), high-octane gasoline components.",
  "references": [
    "DOL Occupational Health and Safety Administration Petroleum Refining Process at https://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/otm/otm_iv/otm_iv_2.html#app_iv:2_1",
    "DOE Energy Information Administration Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/isomerization/"
}