Process for production of 2,6-dimethylnaphthalene

摘要

There is disclosed a process for efficiently producing 2,6-dimethylnaphthalene used for the production of polyethylene naphthalate which comprises subjecting 2-methyl-1-(p-tolyl)butene and/or 2-methyl-1-(p-tolyl)butane as a starting raw material to cyclization dehydrogenation reaction by the use of a catalyst comprising a platinum component and at least one component selected from the group consisting of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals each being supported on aluminum oxide. The above process enables the production of the objective compound in a high yield at a low cost by using the catalyst having high safety and stability from the widely available starting material, thereby enhancing the industrial significance of the process.