A REACTIVE DISTILLATION PROCESS FOR THE ALKYLATION OF AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS

摘要

A unified process for reactive distillation under pressure for the alkylatio n of light aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene and cumene with straight chai n C6- C18 olefins using a solid acid alkylation catalyst supported in the refl ux zone of the distillation column (column 2). The process is continuous, using a reactive distillation configuration such that at least a portion of the olef in (7) is injected below the benzene rectification zone at the top of the colum n. The aromatic hydrocarbon (17) is injected continuously at a low rate above t he rectification zone (H) at the base of the column and above the reboiler (40) . The alkylation reaction takes place primarily in the liquid phase on the sol id acid catalyst and is characterized in that the molar ratio is adjustable up to about 100/1, through adjustment of the internal column operating pressure, t he benzene reflux rate, the amount of benzene removed from the reflux condenser to storage or from the reboiler with the distillation column operated at or near total aromatic hydrocarbon reflux. The unexpectedly high liquid phase aromatic hydrocarbon to olefin molar ratios achieved in the reactive distillation column increases the selectivity to mono-alkylated aromatics an d helps stabilize catalyst lifetime.