HYDROGENATION OF BENZENE TO CYCLOHEXANE

摘要

A process for the production of cyclohexane by the hydrogenation of benzene is provided wherein the reactor is operated at a pressure wherein the reaction mixture is boiling under low hydrogen partial pressure in the range of about 0.1 psia to less than 200 psia at 0 to 350 psig overhead pressure. The catalyst is provided as a catalytic distillation structure such that the reaction is concurrently occurring with a distillation. The benzene is fed at a point above the bed and the hydrogen is fed below the bed. All of the overheads may be returned as reflux to provide cooling within the catalyst bed.