Abstract: A catalyst and process is disclosed to selectively upgrade a paraffinic feedstock to obtain an isoparaffin-rich product for blending into gasoline. The catalyst comprises a support of a sulfated oxide or hydroxide of a Group IVB (IUPAC 4) metal, a first component comprising at least one Group III A (IUPAC 13) component, and at least one platinum-group metal component which is preferably platinum.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a zeolite Y catalyst having a controlled macropore structure. The present invention is also directed to a zeolite Y catalyst composite and a process for preparing the catalyst composite. The catalyst composite exhibits reduced deactivation rates during the alkylation process, thereby increasing the life of the catalyst. The present invention is also directed to processes for the preparation of carbonated, overbased aromatic sulfonates, which processes comprise alkylation, carbonation of aromatic hydrocarbons with one or more olefins.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing an alkylaromatic compound comprising the step of contacting an alkylatable aromatic compound with an alkylating agent under alkylation conditions in the presence of a alkylation catalyst comprising phosphorus and a porous crystalline inorganic oxide material having an X-ray diffraction pattern including the d-spacing maxima at 12.4±0.25, 6.9±0.15, 3.57±0.07 and 3.42±0.07 Angstrom.

Abstract: A side-chain of a substituted aromatic compound is alkylated by reacting the aromatic compound with an alkylating agent in the presence of a catalyst. The catalyst comprises a restructured smectite clay to which basic ions are incorporated by ion-exchange. The restructuring of the smectite clay is carried out by acid-treating the clay prior to ion-exchange.

Abstract: Diarylalkanes are prepared by alkylating an aromatic compound with a styrene derivative in the presence of a catalyst of specific synthetic porous crystalline material. The aromatic compound can be, for example, benzene, toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene, cumene, etc. The styrene derivative can be, for example, styrene, methylstyrene or the like.

Abstract: In a method for producing monoalkylated aromatic compounds, an aromatic feed is contacted with an alkylating agent in the presence of a catalyst comprising a molecular sieve having an X-ray diffraction pattern including d-spacing maxima at 12.4±0.25, 6.9±0.15, 3.57±0.07, and 3.42±0.07 Angstrom. The catalyst also contains at least one metal cation selected from Groups 1–4 and 7–16 of the Periodic Table of Elements, wherein the metal cation is present in an amount of at least 0.5% by weight of the catalyst, whereby selectivity of the catalyst to produce monoalkylates over polyalkylates is improved as compared with the identical catalyst but without the metal cation present.

Abstract: An active and selective hydrocarbon partial oxidation catalyst comprises an activated partially-reduced polyoxometallate, preferably niobium polyoxomolybdate, that is prepared from a suitable polyoxoanion, which has been exchanged with a suitable cation and activated by heating to an activation effective temperature in the presence of a suitable reducing agent such as pyridinium. C3 and C4 hydrocarbons may be partially oxidized selectively to acrylic acid and maleic acid.

Abstract: A process is described for producing an alkylaromatic compound by reacting an alkylatable aromatic compound with a feed comprising an alkene and an alkane in a multistage reaction system comprising at least first and second series-connected alkylation reaction zones each containing an alkylation catalyst. At least the first alkylation reaction zone is operated under conditions of temperature and pressure effective to cause alkylation of the aromatic compound with the alkene in the presence of the alkylation catalyst, the temperature and pressure being such that the aromatic compound is partly in the vapor phase and partly in the liquid phase. An effluent comprising the alkylaromatic compound, unreacted alkylatable aromatic compound, any unreacted alkene and the alkane is withdrawn from the first alkylation reaction zone and at least part of the alkane is removed from the effluent to produce an alkane-depleted effluent. The alkane-depleted effluent is then supplied to the second alkylation reaction zone.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a monoalkylated aromatic compound, particularly ethylbenzene or cumene, in which a polyalkylated aromatic compound is contacted with an alkylatable aromatic compound in the liquid phase and in the presence of a transalkylation catalyst comprising TEA-mordenite having an average crystal size of less than 0.5 micron.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel alkylated aromatic compositions, zeolite catalyst compositions and processes for making the same. The catalyst compositions comprise zeolite Y and mordenite zeolite having a controlled macropore structure. The present invention is also directed to the preparation of the catalyst compositions and their use in the preparation of novel alkylated aromatic compositions. The catalyst compositions of the present invention exhibit reduced deactivation rates during the alkylation process, thereby increasing the life of the catalysts.

Abstract: A catalyst and process is disclosed to selectively upgrade a paraffinic feedstock to obtain an isoparaffin-rich product for blending into gasoline. The catalyst comprises a support of a tungstated oxide or hydroxide of a Group IVB (IUPAC 4) metal, a first component of at least one lanthanide element, yttrium or mixtures thereof, which is preferably ytterbium or holmium, and at least one platinum-group metal component which is preferably platinum.

Abstract: A process for the production of ethylbenzene by the ethylation of benzene in the critical phase over a molecular sieve aromatic alkylation catalyst comprising cerium-promoted zeolite beta. An aromatic feedstock having a benzene content of at least 90 wt. % is supplied into a reaction zone and into contact with the cerium-promoted zeolite beta having a silica/alumina mole ratio within the range of 50-150 and a cerium-aluminum ratio of 0.5-1.5. Ethylene is supplied to the alkylation reaction zone in an amount to provide a benzene/ethylene mole ratio of 1-15. The reaction zone is operated at temperature and pressure conditions in which benzene is in the super critical phase to cause ethylation of the benzene in the presence of the cerium zeolite beta alkylation catalyst. An alkylation product is produced containing ethylbenzene as a primary product with the attendant production of heavier alkylated by-products of no more than 60 wt. % of the ethylbenzene.

Abstract: A catalytic material includes a microporous zeolite supported on a mesoporous inorganic oxide support. The microporous zeolite can include zeolite beta, zeolite Y or ZSM-5. The mesoporous inorganic oxide can be, e.g., silica or alumina, and can optionally include other metals. Methods for making and using the catalytic material are described herein.

Abstract: A process for treating organic compounds includes providing a composition which includes a substantially mesoporous structure of silica containing at least 97% by volume of pores having a pore size ranging from about 15 ? to about 30 ? and having a micropore volume of at least about 0.01 cc/g, wherein the mesoporous structure has incorporated therewith at least about 0.02% by weight of at least one catalytically and/or chemically active heteroatom selected from the group consisting of Al, Ti, V, Cr, Zn, Fe, Sn, Mo, Ga, Ni, Co, In, Zr, Mn, Cu, Mg, Pd, Pt and W, and the catalyst has an X-ray diffraction pattern with one peak at 0.3° to about 3.5° at 2?. The catalyst is contacted with an organic feed under reaction conditions wherein the treating process is selected from alkylation, acylation, oligomerization, selective oxidation, hydrotreating, isomerization, demetalation, catalytic dewaxing, hydroxylation, hydrogenation, ammoximation, isomerization, dehydrogenation, cracking and adsorption.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of dimethylcumenes comprising alkylating a substrate comprising of one or more xylene isomers with an alkylating agent in the presence of a solid acid zeolite catalyst selected from ultrastable zeolite Y (Si/Al=5 to 50) and Beta (Si/Al=10-120), and separating the products formed in vapour phase.

Abstract: This invention refers to a new zeolitic material included under the ITQ-16 denomination, to the method for obtaining them and their use as catalysts. This material, ITQ-16 zeolite, is characterized by having different ratios of the different polymorphs A, B and C described as possible intergrowths in Beta zeolite and which, therefore, show different X-ray diffraction patterns to that described for Beta zeolite, showing the X-ray diffraction pattern for ITQ-16, as it is synthesised, diffraction peaks at 2? angles of 6.9°, 7.4°, and 9.6°, simultaneously. ITQ-16 zeolite in its calcinated form has the following empiric formula: x(M1/nXO2):tTO2:gGeO2:(1?g)SiO2 where T is one or various elements with +4 oxidation status, different of Ge and Si; X is one or various elements with +3 oxidation status and M can be H+ or one or various inorganic cations with charge +n, t is comprised between 0 and 0.1, g is comprised between 0.001 and 0.33 and x is comprised between 0 and 0.2.

Abstract: An active and selective hydrocarbon partial oxidation catalyst comprises an activated partially-reduced polyoxometallate, preferably niobium polyoxomolybdate, that is prepared from a suitable polyoxoanion, which has been exchanged with a suitable cation and activated by heating to an activation effective temperature in the presence of a suitable reducing agent such as pyridinium. C3 and C4 hydrocarbons may be partially oxidized selectively to acrylic acid and maleic acid.

Abstract: A process for alkylating an alkylatable aromatic compound is disclosed, in which the process includes: (a) contacting the alkylatable aromatic compound and an alkylating agent with an alkylation catalyst under alkylation conditions; and (b) when said alkylation catalyst has become at least partially deactivated, contacting said alkylation catalyst with a C1-C8 hydrocarbon under alkylation catalyst reactivation conditions. The process provides comparable rejuvenation of catalyst activity as air rengenaration with minimal or no increase in amounts of undesirable byproducts such as polypropylbenzenes in the case of benzene alkylation with propylene.

Abstract: The catalyst becomes at least partially deactivated by sorbing catalyst poisons present in the feed during a process for alkylating aromatics by contacting a feed containing benzene, toluene, xylenes, alkylbenzenes, naphthalene or substituted naphthalenes under liquid phase alkylating conditions with C2-C16 olefins in the presence of MCM-22, MCM-36, MCM-49, MCM-56, ZSM-5, ZSM-11, ZSM-12, ZSM-23, ZSM-35, ZSM-48, ZSM-50, ZSM-4, ZSM-18, ZSM-20, Zeolite X, Zeolite Y, USY, mordenite or offretite to provide an alkylated aromatic product. The at least partially deactivated catalyst can be treated in situ by contacting with at least one polar compound having a dipole moment of at least 0.05 Debyes and selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, formic acid, water, and carbon monoxide, under conditions of temperature and pressure employed in the liquid phase alkylating conditions which are sufficient to at least partially desorb the catalyst poison from the catalyst.

Abstract: A process for the transalkylation of polyalkylated aromatic compounds over a high porosity zeolite-Y molecular sieve having a surface area of no more than 500 m2/g. A feedstock comprising a polyalkylated aromatic component, including polyalkylbenzenes in which the predominant alkyl substituents contain from 2 to 4 carbon atoms, is supplied to a transalkylation reaction zone containing the high porosity zeolite-Y catalyst. Benzene is also supplied to the transalkylation zone, and the reaction zone is operated under temperature and pressure conditions to maintain the polyalkylated aromatic component in the liquid phase and which are effective to cause disproportionation of the polyalkylated aromatic component to arrive a disproportionation product having a reduced polyalkylbenzene content and an enhanced monoalkylbenzene content.

Abstract: A process for producing cumene is provided which comprises the step of contacting benzene and propylene under at least partial liquid phase alkylating conditions with a particulate molecular sieve alkylation catalyst, wherein the particles of said alkylation catalyst have a surface to volume ratio of about 80 to less than 200 inch?1.

Abstract: A process for the alkylation of aromatics with olefins using a solid catalyst is disclosed, wherein the olefin ratio and/or the maximum olefin concentration in the alkylation catalyst bed is maintained less than an upper limit. Such operation can decrease the catalyst deactivation rate and the formation of diphenylalkanes. This invention is applicable to processes for the production of a wide variety of commercially important alkylated aromatics, including ethylbenzene and cumene.

Abstract: Improved methods for generating a —C—C— bond by cross-coupling of a transferable group with an acceptor group. The transferable group is a substituent of an organosilicon nucleophile and the acceptor group is provided as an organic electrophile. The reaction is catalyzed by a Group 10 transition metal complex (e.g., Ni, Pt or Pd), particularly by a palladium complex. Certain methods of this invention use improved organosilicon nucleophiles which are readily prepared, can give high product yields and exhibit high stereoselectivity. Methods of this invention employ activating ions such as halides, hydroxide, hydride and silyloxides. In specific embodiments, organosilicon nucleophilic reagents of this invention include siloxanes, particularly cyclic siloxanes. The combination of the cross-coupling reactions of this invention with ring-closing metathesis, hydrosilylation and intramolecular hydrosilylation reactions provide useful synthetic strategies that have wide application.

Abstract: A catalyst for the disproportionation/transalkylation of various hydrocarbons consists of a carrier and a metal component supported on the carrier. The carrier comprises 10 to 80 wt % of mordenite and/or beta type zeolite with a mole ratio of silica/alumina ranging from 10 to 200; 0 to 70 wt % of ZSM-5 type zeolite with a mole ratio of silica/alumina ranging from 30 to 500; and 5 to 90 wt % of at least one inorganic binder selected from the group consisting of gamma-alumina, silica, silica alumina, bentonite, kaolin, clinoptilolite, and montmorillonite. The metal component comprises platinum and either tin or lead. The catalyst enables mixed xylenes to be produced at remarkably high yields from benzene, toluene and C9 or higher aromatic compounds through disproportionation/transalkylation with a great reduction in aromatic loss. In addition, the catalyst can maintain its catalytic activity for a long period of time without deactivation.

Abstract: The alkylation of benzene-containing feedstock over a zeolite beta alkylation catalyst which is formulated with a silica binder and has an average regeneration coefficient of at least 95% for at least three regenerations. The alkylation reaction is carried out in the liquid phase or supercritical region with a C2-C4 alkylating agent, specifically ethylene. The catalyst exhibits a regeneration coefficient of at least 95% after ethylation of the benzene with ethylene at a benzene/ethylene mole ratio of less than 10. The ethylation of benzene occurs at an initial designated primary activity. The operation of the reaction zone is continued until the activity of the catalyst for the ethylation of benzene decreases by a value of at least 0.1% and not more 1% from the initial designated primary activity.

Abstract: There is provided a zeolite bound zeolite catalyst which does not contain significant amount of non-zeolitic binder and can be tailored to optimize its performance and a process for converting hydrocarbons utilizing the zeolite bound zeolite catalyst. The zeolite bound zeolite catalyst comprises core crystals containing first crystals of a first zeolite and optionally second crystals of a second zeolite having a composition, structure type, or both that is different from said first zeolite and binder crystals containing third crystals of a third zeolite and optionally fourth crystals of a fourth zeolite having a composition, structure type, or both that is different from said third zeolite. If the core crystals do not contain the second crystals of the second zeolite, then the binder crystals must contain the fourth crystals of the fourth zeolite. The zeolite bound zeolite finds application in hydrocarbon conversion processes, e.g.

Abstract: A catalyst for the selective oxidation of hydrogen has been developed. It comprises an inert core such as cordierite and an outer layer comprising a lithium aluminate support. The support has dispersed thereon a platinum group metal and a promoter metal, e.g. platinum and tin respectively. This catalyst is particularly effective in the selective oxidation of hydrogen in a dehydrogenation process.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the alkylation of an aromatics compound with a olefin alkylation agent which comprises contacting the aromatic compound, especially benzene, with the alkylation agent, especially ethylene and/or propylene, in the presence of an oxide material which is delayered MWW-type zeolitic material, very suitably the material known as ITQ-2.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the preparation of cumene by reacting isopropanol or a mixture of isopropanol and propene with benzene in the presence of a ?-zeolite catalyst having a SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio greater than 10:1 that can be integrated in a process for preparing phenol, which comprises preparing cumene as described above, oxidizing cumene to cumene hydroperoxide, acid-catalyzed cleavage of cumene hydroperoxide to give phenol and acetone, and hydrogenating acetone to form isopropanol.

Abstract: A process for the alkylation of aromatics with olefins using a solid catalyst is disclosed, wherein the effluent recycle ratio to the alkylation catalyst bed is maintained more than a lower limit. Such operation can decrease the catalyst deactivation rate and the formation of diphenylalkanes. This invention is applicable to processes for the production of a wide variety of commercially important alkylated aromatics, including ethylbenzene and cumene.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of phenylalkanes comprising an alkylation reaction of at least one aromatic compound by at least one linear olefin having from 9 to 16 carbon atoms per molecule. Said reaction is carried out in a catalytic reactor in which n reaction zones are present each containing at least one same solid acid catalyst, n being greater than or equal to 2, and at the inlet to each of which at least one fraction of the total quantity of olefins necessary for said reaction is introduced. The phenylalkanes obtained by the process according to the invention are particularly suitable for manufacturing detergents.

Abstract: A process for the catalytic alkylation of monocyclic aromatic compounds in a hydrocarbon process stream comprising contacting the monocyclic aromatic compound-containing hydrocarbon process stream with an alkylation agent under alkylation conditions with a mesoporous zeotype catalyst having an intracrystalline, non-crystallographic mesopore system and a mesopore volume of the zeotype crystals above 0.25 ml/g.

Abstract: We disclose a method for converting toluene to xylenes, comprising contacting toluene with methanol in the presence of a silica-bound HZSM-5 catalyst. As an example, in one embodiment the method can include: (i) first silylating HZSM-5, to form silylated HZSM-5; (ii) first calcining the silylated HZSM-5, to form calcined silylated HZSM-5; (iii) binding the calcined silylated HZSM-5 to silica, to form silica-bound calcined silylated HZSM-5; (iv) extruding the silica-bound calcined silylated HZSM-5, to form extruded silica-bound calcined silylated HZSM-5; (v) second calcining the extruded silica-bound calcined silylated HZSM-5, to form extruded silica-bound twice-calcined silylated HZSM-5; (vi) second silylating the extruded silica-bound twice-calcined silylated HZSM-5, to form extruded silica-bound twice-calcined twice-silylated HZSM-5; and (vii) third calcining the extruded silica-bound twice-calcined twice-silylated HZSM-5, to form the silica-bound HZSM-5 catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new crystalline molecular sieve SSZ-63 prepared using N-cyclodecyl-N-methyl-pyrrolidinium cation as a structure-directing agent, methods for synthesizing SSZ-63 and processes employing SSZ-63 in a catalyst.

Abstract: A method for isomerizing aromatic compounds, wherein at least one aromatic compound is contacted with a zeolite-containing catalyst, and in which the zeolite is characterized in that: (1) the minimum value of the pore aperture diameter of the major channels therein is larger than 0.65 nanometers, orthe maximum value thereof is larger than 0.70 nanometers, and (2) the major channels do not intersect any others with larger apertures than oxygen 10-membered ring; and the aromatic compounds are at least one selected from; (a) aromatic compounds having at least three substituents, (b) aromatic compounds having two substituents of which at least one is a halogen or has at least 2 carbon atoms, and (c) naphthalene or anthracene derivatives having substituent(s), wherein aromatic compounds having a relatively large molecular size can be efficiently isomerized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new crystalline molecular sieve SSZ-64 prepared using a N-cyclobutylmethyl-N-ethylhexamethyleneiminium cation or N-cyclobutylmethyl-N-ethylheptamethyleneiminium cation structure directing agent, and processes employing SSZ-64 in a catalyst.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon conversion processes using a new family of zeolites identified as UZM-8 and UZM-8HS are described. The UZM-8 and UZM-8HS are related in that the UZM-8HS are derived from the UZM-8 zeolite by treating the UZM-8 with a fluoro-silicate salt, an acid, etc. The UZM-8 and -8HS have unique x-ray diffraction patterns. These zeolites can be used in alkylation of aromatics, transalkylation of aromatics, isomerization of aromatics and alkylation of isoparaffins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new crystalline molecular sieve SSZ-65 prepared using 1-[1-(4-chlorophenyl)-cyclopropylmethyl]-1-ethyl-pyrrolidinium or 1-ethyl-1-(1-phenyl-cyclopropylmethyl)-pyrrolidinium cation as a structure-directing agent, methods for synthesizing SSZ-65 and processes employing SSZ-65 in a catalyst.

Abstract: There is provided a catalyst containing porous macrostructures comprised of: (a) a three-dimensional network of particles of porous inorganic material (e.g., zeolites); and, (b) at least one metal (e.g., a catalytically active metal). The particles of the at least one macrostructure occupy less than 75% of the total volume of the at least one macrostructure and are jointed together to form a three-dimensional interconnected network. The three-dimensional interconnected network will usually be comprised of pores having diameters greater than about 20 Å. The macrostructures can be made by forming an admixture containing a porous organic ion exchanger (e.g., a polymer-based ion exchange resin) and a synthesis mixture (e.g., for zeolite formation) capable of forming the porous inorganic material and the at least one metal; converting the synthesis mixture to the porous inorganic material; and removing the porous organic ion exchanger from the inorganic material.

Abstract: A process for producing an alkylaromatic compound includes contacting a dilute olefin feed with a lean oil stream containing aromatic compound and alkylaromatic compound in an absorption zone to provide an alkylation reaction stream containing aromatic compound, alkylaromatic compound and olefin. The alkylation reaction stream is reacted under alkylation reaction conditions in an alkylation reaction zone to provide an effluent containing the aromatic compound and alkylaromatic compound. The effluent of step is separated into the lean oil stream which is recycled to the absorption zone and a product portion from which an alkylaromatic product is recovered.

Abstract: A process for the production of alkylbenzene includes the steps of introducing benzene and an olefin feed into a first alkylation reaction zone in the presence of a first alkylation catalyst under first alkylation reaction conditions to produce alkylbenzene and a vapor containing unconverted olefin; absorbing the unconverted olefin into an aromatic stream containing benzene and alkylbenzene; and, introducing the aromatic stream containing absorbed olefin into a second alkylation reaction zone containing a second alkylation catalyst under second alkylation reaction conditions to convert the absorbed olefin and at least some of the benzene of the aromatic stream to alkylbenzene. The process is particularly advantageous for the alkylation of benzene with ethylene to produce ethylbenzene. About 99.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for regenerating a spent aromatics alkylation or transalkylation catalyst comprising a molecular sieve by contacting the spent catalyst with an oxygen-containing gas at a temperature of about 120 to about 600° C. and then contacting the catalyst with an aqueous medium, such as an ammonium nitrate solution, an ammonium carbonate solution or an acetic acid solution.

Abstract: A process for alkylation of a hydrocarbon compound includes providing a catalyst including a zeolite Y having a crystal size of no more than 100 nm, and reacting an alkylatable hydrocarbon with an alkylating agent in the presence of the catalyst under alkylation reaction conditions to provide a gasoline product having a Research Octane Number of over 99.5.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production of xylenes from reformate. The process is carried out by methylating under conditions effective for the methylation, the benzene/toluene present in the reformate outside the reforming loop, to produce a resulting product having a higher xylenes content than the reformate. Greater than equilibrium amounts of para-xylene can be produced by the process.

Abstract: Alkylation of metaxylene with isobutylene using a solid active clay catalyst produces 5-tert-butyl-metaxylene with high isomer selectivity with respect to 4-tert-butyl-metaxylene. The process is controlled to extend catalyst life and significantly reduce environmentally unfriendly waste.

Abstract: In a process for the selective production of meta-diisopropylbenzene, a C9+ aromatic hydrocarbon feedstock containing meta- and ortho-diisopropylbenzene is contacted with benzene under conversion conditions with a catalyst comprising a molecular sieve selected from the group consisting of zeolite beta, mordenite and a porous crystalline inorganic oxide material having an X-ray diffraction pattern including the d-spacing maxima at 12.4±0.25, 6.9±0.15, 3.57±0.07 and 3.42±0.07 Angstrom. The contacting step selectively converts ortho-diisopropylbenzene in the feedstock to produce an effluent in which the ratio of meta-diispropylbenzene to ortho-diispropylbenzene is greater than that of the feedstock. The effluent is the fed to a separation zone for recovery of a product rich in meta-diisopropylbenzene.

Abstract: Process for the alkylation of an aromatic substrate with partial recycling of the alkylated product. A feedstock comprising an aromatic substrate and an alkylating agent is introduced into an alkylation reaction zone and into contact with a molecular sieve catalyst to produce an alkylation product which is withdrawn from the alkylation reaction zone and split into two portions. A first portion is recycled back to the alkylation reaction zone and supplied to the alkylation zone. A second portion is supplied to a suitable recovery zone for the separation of alkylated aromatic components from the unreacted aromatic substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new crystalline molecular sieve SSZ-63 prepared using N-cyclodecyl-N-methyl-pyrrolidinium cation as a structure-directing agent, methods for synthesizing SSZ-63 and processes employing SSZ-63 in a catalyst.

Abstract: A process is described for removing polar compounds from an aromatic feedstock which contains polar compounds. The process comprises contacting the feedstock in an adsorption zone at a temperature of less than or equal to 130° C. with an adsorbent selective for the adsorption of said polar compounds and comprising a molecular sieve having surface cavities with cross-sectional dimensions greater than 5.6 Angstroms. A treated feedstock substantially free of said polar compounds can then be fed to an alkylation zone for contact under liquid phase alkylation conditions with an alkylating agent in the presence of an alkylation catalyst.

Abstract: In a method for producing monoalkylated aromatic compounds, an aromatic feed is contacted with an alkylating agent in the presence of a catalyst comprising a molecular sieve having an X-ray diffraction pattern including d-spacing maxima at 12.4±0.25, 6.9±0.15, 3.57±0.07, and 3.42±0.07 Angstrom. The catalyst also contains at least one metal cation selected from Groups 1-4 and 7-16 of the Periodic Table of Elements, wherein the metal cation is present in an amount of at least 0.5% by weight of the catalyst, whereby selectivity of the catalyst to produce monoalkylates over polyalkylates is improved as compared with the identical catalyst but without the metal cation present.