Abstract: This disclosure provides improved processes for converting benzene/toluene via methylation with methanol/dimethyl ether for producing, e.g., p-xylene. In an embodiment, a process utilizes a methylation catalyst system comprising a molecular sieve catalyst and an auxiliary catalyst. The auxiliary catalyst comprises a metal element selected from Group 2, Group 3, the lanthanide series, the actinide series, and mixtures and combinations thereof. The auxiliary catalyst may comprise the oxide of the metal element. Deactivation of the molecular sieve catalyst can be reduced with the inclusion of the auxiliary catalyst in the methylation catalyst system.

Abstract: A process is described for producing paraxylene, in which an aromatic hydrocarbon feedstock comprising benzene and/or toluene is contacted with an alkylating reagent comprising methanol and/or dimethyl ether in an alkylation reaction zone under alkylation conditions in the presence of an alkylation catalyst to produce an alkylated aromatic product comprising xylenes. The alkylation catalyst comprises a molecular sieve having a Constraint Index?5, and the alkylation conditions comprise a temperature less than 500° C. The alkylation catalyst may be selectivated to produce a higher than equilibrium amount of paraxylene by using a molar ratio of alkylating agent to aromatic of at least 1:4.

Abstract: According to embodiments, a process for aromatizing hydrocarbons may include contacting the hydrocarbons with a zinc- or gallium-doped ZSM-5 catalyst having a mesopore volume of greater than 0.09 cm3/g. Contacting the hydrocarbons with the catalyst causes a least a portion of the hydrocarbons to undergo chemical reactions to form aromatic hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing long-chain alkylbenzene by reacting an aromatic hydrocarbon and a long-chain olefin, wherein the reaction is carried out in the presence of a solid acid catalyst, the aromatic hydrocarbon is selected from the group consisting of benzene, toluene and xylene, the long-chain olefin is selected from the group consisting of C8-C26 alkenes, the catalyst is a HMCM-22 type molecular sieve solid acid catalyst modified with heteroatom(s), the heteroatom(s) is/are selected from the group consisting of boron, gallium, indium, chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, manganese and phosphorus, and the molar ratio of silicon atoms to heteroatoms in the solid acid catalyst is in the range of 1:0.01-0.03. The invention also relates to a method for regenerating the solid acid catalyst used in the reaction.

Abstract: The present application discloses a catalyst, the catalyst contains a molecular sieve, there is at least one-dimension 8-membered ring channel in the molecular sieve structure, the diameter of a diffusible substance in the direction of the 8-membered ring channel is no less than 2.0 ?, the diameter of a substance that can be accommodated in the molecular sieve structure is no more than 6 ?; the catalyst is used for a methanol and/or dimethyl ether to propylene reaction, comprising contacting methanol and/or dimethyl ether with a methanol-to-propylene catalyst to obtain propylene.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon feeds suitable for use as gasoline blending components containing olefins and aromatic compounds are alkylated in the presence of a catalyst by the olefins present in the feedstream to produce middle distillates having higher boiling points suitable for use as aviation and diesel fuel blending components.

Abstract: This present disclosure relates to processes for methylation of aromatics in an aromatics complex for producing a xylene isomer product. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a process for producing para-xylene by the selective methylation of toluene and/or benzene in an aromatics complex using mild reaction conditions, namely a combination of low temperatures and elevated pressures using a zeolite with lower number of external acid sites.

Abstract: An organic-base functionalized silicalite-1 molecular sieve-encapsulated metal nanoparticles catalyst and a preparation method therefor, as well as a method for preparing 1,2-pentanediol from biomass-derived furfuryl alcohol by hydrogenolysis using said catalyst. When the catalyst is used in a reaction preparing 1,2-pentanediol from furfuryl alcohol by hydrogenolysis, the catalyst has high hydrogenolysis activity under relatively mild reaction conditions, significantly increasing the conversion rate of furfuryl alcohol and 1,2-pentanediol selectivity in the reaction, while also not generating obvious byproducts furfuryl alcohol polymers; the catalyst has good stability and long life, and may be recovered for reuse after the reaction is complete by means of a simple filtration, greatly reducing reaction costs and separation difficulty.

Abstract: Alkylated aromatic products are produced in a process comprising the steps of pyrolysing a pyrolysable raw material in a pyrolysis process to obtain a pyrolysis product stream containing a phenolic product and aromatics products; separating the pyrolysis product stream into a first product stream containing phenolic products and a second product stream containing aromatics products; subjecting the first product stream to a hydrogenation reaction to hydrogenate the phenolic product to obtain an aliphatic alcohol; then reacting the aliphatic alcohol with the aromatics products in the presence of a transalkylation catalyst comprising a solid acid catalyst to form an alkylated aromatic product. The alkylated aromatic product may be subjected to further treatment such as hydroprocessing. The alkylated aromatics product may be used in the production of fuels from biomass.

Abstract: Methods and related systems are disclosed for condensing a minor portion of an effluent stream from an alkylation reactor by contacting the effluent stream with a first liquid hydrocarbon quench stream and a second liquid hydrocarbon quench stream. The effluent stream includes catalyst fines from the reactor, and at least a portion of the catalyst fines are carried with the condensed minor portion of the effluent stream.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of petrochemistry and petroleum refining, and more-specifically to methods and devices for producing a concentrate of aromatic hydrocarbons from liquid hydrocarbon fractions, which involve feeding initial components into a mixer, heating said components, feeding same to a reactor in which the heated components are converted into aromatic hydrocarbons in the presence of a catalyst, separating same into liquid and gas phases, feeding the gas phase into the mixer, and feeding the liquid phase into a rectification column, from which an aromatic hydrocarbon concentrate is collected, and can be used in petroleum refining and in petrochemistry for producing a concentrate aromatic hydrocarbons. According to the invention, methanol is additionally fed into the mixer. Hydrocarbon components which remain in the rectification column following collection are at least partially fed into the mixer.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to methods of producing ethylene and propylene by the catalytic steam cracking of naphtha using an HZSM-5 catalyst. An example method can include providing a naphtha feedstock, providing steam, and providing an HZSM-5 catalyst. The method can further include preparing the HZSM-5 catalyst by titanium modification or alkaline treatment, followed by phosphorus modification. The method can further include feeding the naphtha feedstock and steam to a reactor containing the catalyst and removing an effluent from the reactor having a combined yield of ethylene and propylene of greater than about 45 wt-%.

Abstract: A hydrogen oxidation catalyst is provided, comprising a zeolite that contains at least one catalytically active noble metal or a compound thereof, wherein said zeolite is a hydrophobic zeolite. A use of the catalyst and a method for hydrogen recombination in nuclear power plants, reprocessing plants or fuel element repositories is also specified.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter relates to methods of producing ethylene and propylene by the catalytic steam cracking of naphtha using an HZSM-5 catalyst. An example method can include providing a naphtha feedstock, providing steam, and providing an HZSM-5 catalyst. The method can further include preparing the HZSM-5 catalyst by titanium modification or alkaline treatment, followed by phosphorus modification. The method can further include feeding the naphtha feedstock and steam to a reactor containing the catalyst and removing an effluent from the reactor having a combined yield of ethylene and propylene of greater than about 45 wt-%.

Abstract: Provided here are zirconium-substituted hierarchical zeolite compositions and methods of preparing such catalytic compositions. One such method involves subjecting the zirconium-substituted zeolite to a framework modification process using a single template to produce a framework-modified zeolite, followed by subjecting the framework-modified zeolite to an ion exchange process to produce a hierarchical zeolite composition. Also provided are methods of catalytic cracking of hydrocarbon feedstocks using these zirconium-substituted hierarchical zeolite compositions.

Abstract: Processes for transalkylation of aromatic hydrocarbons is disclosed. The process includes introducing a feed stream comprising aromatic hydrocarbon compounds to a transalkylation zone. A water source is introduced to the transalkylation zone, the water source being in an amount to provide about 80 to about 120 wppm of water based upon the mass of the feed stream. The feed stream is contacted with a transalkylation catalyst in the transalkylation zone under transalkylation conditions comprising a transalkylation temperature of about 130° C. to about 230° C. in the presence of the water to provide a transalkylation reaction effluent.

Abstract: Provided here are zirconium-substituted hierarchical zeolite compositions and methods of preparing such catalytic compositions. One such method involves subjecting the zirconium-substituted zeolite to a framework modification process using a single template to produce a framework-modified zeolite, followed by subjecting the framework-modified zeolite to an ion exchange process to produce a hierarchical zeolite composition. Also provided are methods of catalytic cracking of hydrocarbon feedstocks using these zirconium-substituted hierarchical zeolite compositions.

Abstract: A process for making cumene by the alkylation of benzene with propylene using a benzene alkylation catalyst that comprises an organotemplate-free zeolite beta having a silica-to-alumina molar ratio of less than 20 and synthesized without an organic structure directing agent (SDA).

Abstract: In a process for producing one or more 3,3?-, 3,4?- and 4,4?-dimethyl biphenyl isomers, a feed comprising toluene is contacted with hydrogen in the presence of a hydroalkylation catalyst under conditions effective to produce a hydroalkylation reaction product comprising (methylcyclohexyl)toluenes. At least part of the hydroalkylation reaction product is dehydrogenated in the presence of a dehydrogenation catalyst under conditions effective to produce a dehydrogenation reaction product comprising a mixture of dimethyl biphenyl isomers. The dehydrogenation reaction product is then separated into at least a first stream containing one or more 3,3?-, 3,4?- and 4,4?-dimethyl biphenyl isomers and at least one second stream comprising one or more 2,X?-dimethyl biphenyl isomers (where X is 2, 3, or 4). The 3,3?-, 3,4?- and 4,4?-dimethyl biphenyl isomers are then separated utilizing selective adsorption.

Abstract: In a process for separating one or more 3,3?-, 3,4?- and 4,4?-dimethyl biphenyl isomers, a feed comprising the isomers is contacted with an adsorbent containing a zeolite having a largest diffuse along dimension of at least 4 Angstroms. The adsorbents provide selective adsorption of 4,4?-dimethyl biphenyl.

Abstract: A process is described for producing cumene comprising contacting benzene and a C3 alkylating agent under alkylation conditions with an alkylation catalyst in an alkylation zone to produce an alkylation effluent comprising cumene and alkylaromatic compounds heavier than cumene. Cumene is recovered from the alkylation effluent to leave a byproduct stream containing the alkylaromatic compounds heavier than cumene, which is separated into a polyisopropylbenzene-containing stream, an aromatic overhead stream, and a bottoms product. At least part of the aromatic overhead stream is recycled to the alkylation zone to reduce raw material consumption and improve cumene yield.

Abstract: There is disclosed a ceramic separation membrane. This ceramic separation membrane includes a porous substrate, and a separation layer formed on the substrate. The separation layer is a laminate having an outermost layer positioned on the most surface side, and a base layer positioned in a lower layer than the outermost layer and made of zeolite. The outermost layer is a layer made of a siliceous material containing 90 mol % or more of silica, an organic material-containing amorphous silica material having a Si—Cn—Si (wherein n is 1 or 2) bond and a Si/C ratio of 0.5 to 2, or a carbonaceous material containing 90 mass % or more of carbon. The outermost layer is different from the base layer.

Abstract: In a process for producing para-xylene, benzene and/or toluene is alkylated with methanol in the presence of a catalyst under conditions including a temperature of at least 500° C. and an H2O partial pressure of at least 12 psia (83 kPaa). The catalyst comprises from 5 to 15 wt % ZSM-5, phosphorus or a compound thereof and a binder and has been steamed at a temperature of at least 900° C. The steamed catalyst has no more than two peaks in the 31P MAS NMR spectrum in the range of 0 to ?50 ppm.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for transalkylating aromatic hydrocarbon compounds, the process comprising introducing an aromatic hydrocarbon feed stream into a transalkylation zone to yield high-purity benzene as a byproduct while meeting transalkylation objectives. The feed stream contacts a catalyst in the transalkylation zone under conditions adjusted to control benzene purity as well as transalkylation performance.

Abstract: A process for producing an alkylated aromatic compound comprises contacting an aromatic starting material and hydrogen with a plurality of catalyst particles under hydroalkylation conditions to produce an effluent comprising the alkylated aromatic compound, the catalyst comprising a composite of a solid acid, an inorganic oxide different from the solid acid and a hydrogenation metal, wherein the distribution of the hydrogenation metal in at least 60 wt % of the catalyst particles is such that the average concentration of the hydrogenation metal in the rim portion of a given catalyst particle is Crim, the average concentration of the hydrogenation metal in the center portion of the given catalyst particle is Ccenter, where 0.2?Crim/Ccenter<2.0. Also disclosed are hydroalkylation catalyst and process for making phenol and/or cyclohexanone using the catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for methanol coupled catalytic cracking reaction of naphtha using a modified ZSM-5 molecular sieve catalyst, comprising performing a co-feeding reaction of methanol and naphtha on the modified ZSM-5 molecular sieve catalyst to produce low carbon olefins and/or aromatic hydrocarbons. In the process, the modified ZSM-5 molecular sieve catalyst comprises, in term of weight percent, 25-80 wt % of a ZSM-5 molecular sieve, 15-70 wt % of a binder, and 2.2-6.0 wt % of lanthanum and 1.0-2.8 wt % of phosphorus loaded on the ZSM-5 molecular sieve. The naphtha comprises 63.8-89.5 wt % of saturated chain alkanes and 5.6-29.8 wt % of cyclic alkanes. The naphtha and methanol concurrently pass through the catalyst bed, which are reacted during contacting with the catalyst under a reaction condition of a reaction temperature of 550-670° C., a mass ratio of methanol to naphtha of 0.05-0.8, and a total mass space velocity of naphtha and methanol of 1.0-5 h?1.

Abstract: In a process for producing phenol, benzene is contacted with a C3 alkylating agent comprising isopropanol under alkylation conditions such that at least part of the isopropanol reacts with the benzene to produce cumene. At least part of the resultant cumene is then oxidized in the presence of an oxidizing gas to produce an oxidation effluent comprising cumene hydroperoxide, unreacted cumene and a spent oxidizing gas. The unreacted cumene is separated from the oxidation effluent and is treated to remove nitrogenous impurities therefrom and produce a purified cumene stream, which is recycled to the oxidization step. At least part of the cumene hydroperoxide from the oxidation effluent is cleaved to produce a cleavage effluent comprising phenol and acetone. The phenol is recovered phenol from the cleavage effluent, whereas at least part of the acetone from the cleavage effluent is hydrogenated to produce isopropanol for recycle to the alkylation step.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for selecting an improved catalyst composition comprising a crystalline molecular sieve material having a structure and properties whereby the catalyst composition has at least one active catalytic site with a Mono Alkylation Selectivity Factor (MASF) greater than or equal to 0 kcal/mol±0.5 kcal/mol, and optionally further at least one active catalytic site with an Olefin Oligomerization Suppression Factor (OOSF) greater than or equal to 5 kcal/mol±0.5 kcal/mol. Further, there is provided an improved process for conversion of hydrocarbon feedstock in the presence of said selected catalyst composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved process for the catalytic conversion of a feedstock comprising an alkylatable aromatic compound and an alkylating agent to form a conversion product comprising the desired alkylaromatic compound by contacting said feedstock in at least partial liquid phase under catalytic conversion conditions with a catalyst composition comprising a porous crystalline material having a structure type of FAU, BEA* or MWW, or a mixture thereof, wherein the porous crystalline material has a Relative Activity measured at 220° C. as an RA220 of at least 7.5 or measured at 180° C. as RA180 of at least 2.5, allowing operation at lower reaction pressures, e.g., a reaction pressure of about 450 psig (3102 kPa) or less, and lower alkylating agent feed supply pressure of 450 psig (3102 kPa) or less.

Abstract: The invention covers a process for obtaining an alkaline earth or rare earth metal-P-modified molecular sieve (M-P-modified molecular sieve) comprising the following steps: a). selecting at least one molecular sieve selected from one of: a P-modified molecular sieve which contains at least 0.3 wt % of P obtained by dealuminating a molecular sieve in a steaming step, followed by a leaching step using an acid solution containing a source of P a molecular sieve which is modified with P during step b) by dealuminating the molecular sieve in a steaming step, followed by a leaching step using an acid solution containing a source of P thereby introducing at least 0.3 wt % of P b). contacting said molecular sieve with an alkaline earth or rare earth metal-containing compound (M-containing compound) to introduce at least 0.05 wt % of the alkaline earth or rare earth metal to the molecular sieve. The invention also covers a catalyst composite comprising: a).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the alkylation of an organic compound comprising: (a) providing a catalyst comprising one or more zeolitic materials having a BEA framework structure, wherein the BEA framework structure comprises YO2 and optionally comprises X2O3, wherein Y is a tetravalent element, and X is a trivalent element, (b) contacting the catalyst with one or more alkylatable organic compounds in the presence of one or more alkylating agents in one or more reactors for obtaining one or more alkylated organic compounds, wherein the one or more zeolitic materials is obtainable from a synthetic process which does not employ an organotemplate as structure directing agent.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a monoalkylated benzene comprising the step of contacting benzene with an alkylating agent in the presence of a catalyst composition under effective alkylation conditions to form said monoalkylated benzene and polyalkylated benzene, said catalyst composition comprising MCM-56 and a binder, such that the crystal/binder weight ratio in said catalyst composition is from about 20/80 to about 80/20, wherein said polyalkylated benzene comprises dialkylated benzene and trialkylated benzene, and the weight ratio of trialkylated benzene to dialkylated benzene is in the range from about 0.08 to about 0.12.

Abstract: Catalyst comprising ruthenium on a support for the catalytic oxidation of hydrogen chloride by means of oxygen to form chlorine, wherein the catalyst comprises from 0.01 to 10% by weight of silver and/or calcium as dopant. The support preferably consists essentially of alpha-aluminum oxide. The catalyst preferably comprises a) from 0.1 to 10% by weight of ruthenium, b) from 0.01 to 5% by weight of silver and/or from 0.01 to 5% by weight of calcium, c) from 0 to 5% by weight of one or more alkaline earth metals, d) from 0 to 5% by weight of one or more alkali metals, e) from 0 to 5% by weight of one or more rare earth metals, f) from 0 to 5% by weight of one or more further metals selected from the group consisting of nickel, palladium, platinum, iridium and rhenium, in each case based on the total weight of the catalyst.

Abstract: A process for oligomerizing isobutene comprises contacting a feedstock comprising isobutene with a catalyst comprising a MCM-22 family molecular sieve under conditions effective to oligomerize the isobutene, wherein said conditions including a temperature from about 45° C. to less than 140° C. The isobutene may be a component of a hydrocarbon feedstock containing at least one additional C4 alkene. In certain aspects, isobutene oligomers are separated from a first effluent of the oligomerization to produce a second effluent comprising at least one n-butene. The second effluent can be contacted with an alkylation catalyst to produce sec-butylbenzene.

Abstract: Provided is a method of alkylating an aromatic compound comprising contacting an aromatic compound and an alkylating agent in the presence of UCB-3 as a catalyst under reaction conditions suitable for aromatic alkylation. The aromatic compound preferably comprises benzene or toluene and the alkylation agent preferably comprises an olefin or alcohol. Lower temperature ranges can be used for the reaction, for example in the range of from 100 to 300° C.

Abstract: A method for controlling 2-isomer content in linear alkylbenzene obtained by alkylating benzene with olefins and catalyst used in the method.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to processes using a new crystalline molecular sieve designated SSZ-96, which is synthesized using a 1-butyl-1-methyl-octahydroindolium cation as a structure directing agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of paraxylene by an alkylation process that also produces oxygenates. The process is controlled to utilize recycle to minimize said oxygenates.

Abstract: A new family of crystalline aluminosilicate zeolites has been synthesized that has been designated UZM-43. These zeolites are similar to previously known ERS-10, SSZ-47 and RUB-35 zeolites but are characterized by unique x-ray diffraction patterns and compositions and have catalytic properties for carrying out various hydrocarbon conversion processes. Catalysts made from these zeolites are useful in hydrocarbon conversion reactions.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved process for producing an alkylated aromatic compound from an at least partially untreated alkylatable aromatic compound having catalyst poisons, wherein said alkylatable aromatic compound stream is treated to reduce catalyst poisons with a treatment composition having a surface area/surface volume ratio of greater than or equal to 30 in?1 (12 cm?1) in a treatment zone separate from an alkylation reaction zone under treatment conditions including a temperature of from about 30° C. to about 300° C. to form an effluent comprising said treated alkylatable aromatic compound.

Abstract: The proposed process uses crystallization technology to purify paraxylene simultaneously of large concentrations of C8 aromatics and also small concentrations of oxygenated species.

Abstract: In a process for producing a cycloalkylaromatic compound, an aromatic compound, hydrogen and at least one diluent are supplied to a hydroalkylation reaction zone, such that the weight ratio of the diluent to the aromatic compound supplied to the hydroalkylation reaction zone is at least 1:100. The aromatic compound, hydrogen and the at least one diluent are then contacted under hydroalkylation conditions with a hydroalkylation catalyst in the hydroalkylation reaction zone to produce an effluent comprising a cycloalkylaromatic compound.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for making styrene and/or ethylbenzene by reacting toluene with a C1 source over a catalyst in at least one radial reactor to form a product stream comprising styrene and/or ethylbenzene.

Abstract: A new family of coherently grown composites of TUN and IMF zeotypes have been synthesized. These zeolites are represented by the empirical formula. NanMmk+TtAl1-xExSiyOz where “n” is the mole ratio of Na to (Al+E), M represents a metal or metals from zinc, Group 1, Group 2, Group 3 and or the lanthanide series of the periodic table, “m” is the mole ratio of M to (Al+E), “k” is the average charge of the metal or metals M, T is the organic structure directing agent or agents, and E is a framework element such as gallium. These zeolites are similar to TNU-9 and IM-5 but are characterized by unique compositions and synthesis procedures and have catalytic properties for carrying out various hydrocarbon conversion processes and separation properties for carrying out various separations.

Abstract: A new family of coherently grown composites of TUN and IMF zeotypes have been synthesized. These zeolites are represented by the empirical formula. NanMmk+TtAl1-xExSiyOz where “n” is the mole ratio of Na to (Al+E), M represents a metal or metals from zinc, Group 1, Group 2, Group 3 and or the lanthanide series of the periodic table, “m” is the mole ratio of M to (Al+E), “k” is the average charge of the metal or metals M, T is the organic structure directing agent or agents, and E is a framework element such as gallium. These zeolites are similar to TNU-9 and IM-5 but are characterized by unique compositions and synthesis procedures and have catalytic properties for carrying out various hydrocarbon conversion processes and separation properties for carrying out various separations.

Abstract: A new family of coherently grown composites of TUN and IMF zeotypes has been synthesized and shown to be effective catalysts for aromatic transformation reactions. These zeolites are represented by the empirical formula: NanMmk+TtAll-xExSiyOz where “n” is the mole ratio of Na to (Al+E), M represents at least one meta, “m” is the mole ratio of M to (Al+E), “k” is the average charge of the metal or metals M, T is the organic structure directing agent or agents, “t” is the mole ratio of N from the organic structure directing agent or agents to (Al+E), and E is a framework element such as gallium. The process involves contacting at least a first aromatic with the coherently grown composites of TUN and IMF zeotypes to produce at least a second aromatic.

Abstract: In a process for producing cyclohexylbenzene, benzene is reacted with cyclohexene in a first reaction zone under conditions effective to produce a reaction product comprising cyclohexylbenzene and at least one polycyclohexylbenzene. At least a portion of the reaction product and a stripping agent comprising at least one C1 to C11 hydrocarbon or hydrogen are then separately supplied to a separation device and separated into at least a first fraction rich in cyclohexylbenzene and a second fraction rich in the at least one polycyclohexylbenzene.

Abstract: The process converts ethylene in a dilute ethylene stream and dilute benzene in an aromatic containing stream via alkylation to heavier hydrocarbons. The catalyst may be a zeolite such as UZM-8. The catalyst is resistant to feed impurities such as hydrogen sulfide, carbon oxides, and hydrogen and selectively converts benzene. At least 40 wt-% of the ethylene in the dilute ethylene stream and at least 20 wt-% of the benzene in the dilute benzene stream can be converted to heavier hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the production of alkylated aromatics by contacting a feed stream comprising an alkylatable aromatic, an alkylating agent and trace amounts of water and impurities in the presence of a first catalyst and an alkylation catalyst wherein such water and impurities are removed in order to improve the cycle length of such alkylation catalysts. Water and at least a portion of impurities are removed in a dehydration zone. A reaction zone having a first catalyst which, in some embodiments is a large pore molecular sieve, acts to remove another portion of impurities, such as nitrogenous and other species. An alkylation zone having an alkylation catalyst which, in some embodiments is a medium pore molecular sieve or a MCM-22 family material, acts to remove additional impurities, and to alkylate the alkylatable aromatic compound.

Abstract: A method of producing an alkylaromatic by the alkylation of an aromatic with an alkylating agent, such as producing ethylbenzene by an alkylation reaction of benzene, is disclosed. The method includes using an H-beta catalyst to minimize process upsets due to alkylation catalyst deactivation and the resulting catalyst regeneration or replacement. The H-beta catalyst can be used in a preliminary alkylation reactor that is located upstream of the primary alkylation reactor. The H-beta catalyst used in a preliminary alkylation reactor can reduce the deactivation of the catalyst in the primary alkylation reactor.