Abstract: Methods are provided for activation of catalysts comprising low amounts of a hydrogenation metal, such as low amounts of a Group 8-10 noble metal. The amount of hydrogenation metal on the catalyst can correspond to 0.5 wt % or less (with respect to the weight of the catalyst), or 0.1 wt % or less, or 0.05 wt % or less. Prior to loading a catalyst into a reactor, the corresponding catalyst precursor can be first activated in a hydrogen-containing atmosphere containing 1.0 vppm of CO or less. The thus first-activated catalyst can be transferred to a reactor with optional exposure to oxygen during the transfer, where it can be further activated using a hydrogen-containing atmosphere containing 3.0 vppm of CO or higher, to yield a twice-activated catalyst with high performance. The catalyst can be advantageously a transalkylation catalyst or an isomerization catalyst useful for converting aromatic hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Novel MEL framework type zeolites can be made to have small crystallite sizes and desirable silica/SiO2 molar ratios. Catalyst compositions comprising such MEL framework type zeolites can be particularly advantageous in isomerization C8 aromatic mixtures. An isomerization process for converting C8 aromatic hydrocarbons can advantageously utilize a catalyst composition comprising a MEL framework type zeolite.

Abstract: Methods and corresponding catalysts are provided for conversion of an aromatic feed containing C8+ aromatics (particularly C9+ aromatics) to form a converted product mixture comprising, e.g., benzene and/or xylenes. The aromatic feed can be converted in the presence of a catalyst that includes a silica binder, a mixture of a first zeolite having an MEL framework (such as ZSM-11 and/or an MFI framework (such as ZSM-5), and a second zeolite having an MOR framework, such as mordenite, particularly a mordenite synthesized using TEA or MTEA as a structure directing agent, and a metal. The catalyst can further include one or more metals supported on the catalyst.

Abstract: A catalyst comprising a microporous crystalline aluminosilicate having a Constraint Index less than or equal to 12, a Group 1 alkali metal or a compound thereof and/or a Group 2 alkaline earth metal or a compound thereof, a Group 10 metal or a compound thereof, and optionally a Group 11 metal or a compound thereof; wherein the total amount of Group 1 and/or Group 2 metal is present at a ratio that is optimized for the desirable chemical conversion process.

Abstract: Methods are provided for activation of catalysts comprising low amounts of a hydrogenation metal, such as low amounts of a Group 8-10 noble metal. The amount of hydrogenation metal on the catalyst can correspond to 0.5 wt % or less (with respect to the weight of the catalyst), or 0.1 wt % or less, or 0.05 wt % or less. Prior to loading a catalyst into a reactor, the corresponding catalyst precursor can be first activated in a hydrogen-containing atmosphere containing 1.0 vppm of CO or less. The thus first-activated catalyst can be transferred to a reactor with optional exposure to oxygen during the transfer, where it can be further activated using a hydrogen-containing atmosphere containing 3.0 vppm of CO or higher, to yield a twice-activated catalyst with high performance. The catalyst can be advantageously a transalkylation catalyst or an isomerization catalyst useful for converting aromatic hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the conversion of acyclic C5 feedstock to a product comprising cyclic C5 compounds, including cyclopentadiene, and formulated catalyst compositions for use in such process. The process comprises contacting the feedstock and, optionally, hydrogen under acyclic C5 conversion conditions in the presence of a catalyst composition to form the product. The catalyst composition comprises a microporous crystalline metallosilicate, a Group 10 metal or compound thereof, a binder, optionally, a metal selected from the group consisting of rare earth metals, metals of Groups 8, 9, or 11, mixtures or combinations thereof, or a compound thereof, in combination with a Group 1 alkali metal or a compound thereof and/or a Group 2 alkaline earth metal or a compound thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the conversion of acyclic C5 feedstock to a product comprising cyclic C5 compounds, including cyclopentadiene, and formulated catalyst compositions for use in such process. The process comprises contacting the feedstock and, optionally, hydrogen under acyclic C5 conversion conditions in the presence of a catalyst composition to form the product. The catalyst composition comprises a microporous crystalline metallosilicate, a Group 10 metal or compound thereof, a binder, optionally, a metal selected from the group consisting of rare earth metals, metals of Groups 8, 9, or 11, mixtures or combinations thereof, or a compound thereof, in combination with a Group 1 alkali metal or a compound thereof and/or a Group 2 alkaline earth metal or a compound thereof.