Process for making aromatic hydrocarbons using an acid treated zeolite

摘要

A catalyst composition and a process for converting a hydrocarbon stream such as, for example, gasoline to C6 to C8 aromatic hydrocarbons such as toluene and xylenes are disclosed. The catalyst composition includes an alumina, a silica, 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 includes 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 includes: (1) contacting a zeolite with an effective amount of an acid under a condition sufficient to effect a reduction in aluminum content of the zeolite to produce an acid-leached zeolite; and (2) impregnating the acid-leached zeolite with an effective amount of a metal compound under a condition sufficient to effect the production of a metal-promoted zeolite.