Abstract: This invention relates to a process for obtaining ethylene from anhydrous or aqueous ethanol by means of a catalyst of the crystalline aluminosilicate zeolite type of natural or synthetic origin.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for obtaining ethylene from anhydrous or aqueous ethanol by means of a catalyst of the zeolite type containing a silicate of a metal M1 having a valence of 3 and 4 and a tetraedric coordination and containing possibly another charge compensating metal M2 selected among the elements of the Ia, Ib, IIa, IIb, IIIa, IIIb, IVa, IVb, Va, VIb, VIIb and VIII groups of the Mendeljev Table. As examples of M2 metals, the alkaline metals, the alkaline-earth metals and the lanthanides may be cited.According to the invention, anhydrous or aqueous ethanol is contacted with a catalyst of the above type, in which the ratio (M1-M2/n)/(Si+M1)(in which II is the valence of said other metal) is at most equal to 1.5%. The temperature of the catalyst and the contact time of ethanol with said catalyst are such that the conversion rate of ethanol into ethylene is about 100% and the carbon selectivity for ethylene is at least equal to about 99% by weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the activation of siliceous catalysts selected among zeolites with a high silica content, organosilicates, polymorphous crystalline silicas and zeolites deactivated by treatment with water vapor.According to the invention, the catalyst is activated by reacting aluminum chloride and hydrogen chloride, both in gaseous phase with the catalyst, at a temperature between about 150.degree. and 600.degree. C. in the same reactor, the possible excess of gaseous hydrogen chloride being removed by means of an inert gas, such as nitrogen.