Hydrogenation of alkylstyrene to produce alkylbenzene using copper chromite catalysts

摘要

A process for selective non-destructive catalytic hydrogenation of alkylstyrene such as alpha -methylstyrene in a mixed alpha -methylstyrene and cumene feed stream wherein the hydrogenation is conducted in the presence of a copper chromite catalyst. Preferably the hydrogenation is carried out at a pressure of between about 5 psia and about 300 psia. Use of this catalyst allows hydrogen streams containing up to about 30 per cent by volume carbon monoxide to be utilized.