Selectivity shift from paraffins to α-olefins in low temperature Fischer-Tropsch synthesis in the presence of carboxylic acids.

A shift of selectivity to long chain α-olefins has been observed during Fischer-Tropsch synthesis over Co catalysts in the presence of carboxylic acids. The total selectivity to α-olefins of 39% was obtained in the presence of acids. The effect has been ascribed to intermediate formation of esters which hinder secondary olefin hydrogenation.