摘要 |
A process for the production of ethylbenzene by the alkylation of benzene over a molecular sieve aromatic alkylation catalyst followed by transalkylation of polyalkylated aromatic components and then liquid phase alkylation. A feedstock containing benzene and ethylene is supplied to a first alkylation reaction zone containing a molecular sieve aromatic alkylation catalyst. The reaction zone is operated at temperature and pressure conditions to cause gas phase ethylation of the benzene with the production of an alkylation product comprising a mixture of ethylbenzene and polyalkylated aromatic components including diethylbenzene with xylene present in only small amounts. The output from the alkylation reaction zone is supplied to an intermediate recovery zone for the separation and recovery of ethybenzene, a polyalkylated aromatic compound component including diethylbenzene. At least a portion of the polyalkylated component is supplied along with benzene to a transalkylation reaction zone operated in the liquid phase. Disproportionation product from the transalkylaton reaction zone is supplied to a second alkylation zone containing a molecular sieve aromatic alkylation catalyst. Ethylene is also supplied to the second alkylation zone which is operated under temperature and pressure conditions to cause liquid phase ethylation of the benzene. The alkylation product from the second alkylation zone is supplied to the aforementioned intermediate recovery zone. |