Aromatic alkylation process employing steam modified zeolite beta catalyst

摘要

A process for the alkylation of aromatic compounds by low molecular weight alkylating agents is provided. The process includes the use of a steam modified zeolite beta alkylation catalyst. Such steam modification of the beta zeolite is achieved by steaming the catalyst at a temperature of between about 550 DEG and 750 DEG C., thereby dealuminating the zeolite to obtain a silica to alumina mole ratio of between about 50 and 350. Either liquid or vapor phase alkylation conditions may be utilized, or intermediate conditions in which liquid and vapor phases exist. The process is particularly useful the vapor phase ethylation of benzene to produce ethylbenzene with little or no xylene make.