Process for converting a c9+ hydrocarbon to a C6 to C8 aromatic using a steamed, acid-leached, impregnated zeolite

摘要

A catalyst composition and a process for converting a hydrocarbon stream such as, for example, a C9+ aromatic compound to C6 to C8 aromatic hydrocarbons such as xylenes are disclosed. The catalyst composition comprises an aluminosilicate, and a metal wherein the weight ratio of aluminum to silicon is in the range of from about 0.002:1 to about 0.6:1. The process comprises contacting a hydrocarbon stream with the catalyst composition under a condition sufficient to effect the conversion of a hydrocarbon to a C6 to C8 aromatic hydrocarbon. Also disclosed is a process for producing the catalyst composition which comprises: (1) optionally contacting a beta zeolite with steam to produce a steamed beta zeolite; (2) contacting a beta zeolite or the steamed beta zeolite with an effective amount of an acid under a condition sufficient to effect a reduction in aluminum content of the beta zeolite to produce an acid-leached beta zeolite; and (3) impregnating the acid-leached beta zeolite with an effective amount of a metal compound under a condition sufficient to effect the production of a metal-promoted beta zeolite.