Ethylbenzene synthesis and benzene transalkylation with diethylbenzenes on zeolite catalysts

Processes for the manufacturing of ethylbenzene (EB), one of the most important high-volume petrochemicals, have been surveyed. Trends concerning the use of catalysts and technologies for this purpose have been discussed. It has been shown that the transalkylation of benzene with diethylbenzenes is an integral part of modern EB production units. Catalysts based on beta, Y, and mordenite zeolites have been subjected to comparative testing in the transalkylation process. Data on the correlation of the physicochemical and catalytic properties of the test catalysts are presented, and a rapid procedure for evaluating the catalyst stability under laboratory conditions is described. Catalyst samples based on zeolite Y, which turned out to be the most active in the transalkylation reaction, have been tested for a life time on a pilot unit. Data on the effect of the process parameters on the output characteristics are presented, and basic guidelines for selection of the optimal process conditions are given. The numerical values of the kinetic parameters describing experimental data for the transalkylation reaction have been determined.