摘要 |
<p>A catalyst comprising a pre-formed complex of an ionic liquid and an aromatic hydrocarbon. The ionic liquid comprises: (a) a first component of the formula RnMX3-n wherein R is a C1-C6 alkyl group, M is aluminium or gallium, X is a halogen atom and n is 0, 1 or 2; and (b) a second component selected from the group consisting of an alkyl ammonium halide, an imidazolium halide, a pyridinium halide, a hydrocarbyl substituted quaternay ammonium halide, a hydrocarbyl substituted quaternary phosphonium halide and mixtures thereof. The catalyst may be used in the alkylation of aromatic hydrocarbons with olefins such as the alkylation of benzene with ethylene. The use of such a pre-formed catalyst complex enables an increased rate of conversion of feedstock to be achieved.</p> |