REMOVAL OR AROMATIC COLOR BODIES FROM AROMATIC HYDROCARBON STREAMS

摘要

This invention relates to a method for removing oxygenated aromatic color bodies from a C8-11 aromatic hydrocarbon stream having a boiling range between 70-240 DEG C, and more particularly a styrenic fraction having a boiling range between 140-155 DEG C by contacting the aromatic hydrocarbon stream with a neutral attapulgite clay. The process is most effective if the aromatic hydrocarbon stream is first dried using a molecular sieve. The process is effective in reducing the APHA color value of a C8-11 aromatic stream to about 400 or less and reducing the APHA color value of a C8-11 styrenic stream to 50 or less.