Abstract: This invention is directed to a fluorine-containing mordenite catalyst and use thereof in the manufacture of alkylbenzene (LAB) by alkylation of benzene with an olefin. The olefin may have from about 10 to 14 carbons. The fluorine-containing mordenite is prepared typically by treatment with an aqueous hydrogen fluoride solution. The benzene alkylation may be conducted using reactive distillation. This invention is also directed to a process for production of LAB having a high 2-phenyl isomer content by use of the fluorine-containing mordenite in conjunction with a conventional solid LAB alkylation catalyst. The two catalysts may be used in a mixed catalyst bed or may be packed in series, with the relative proportions being adjusted to provide a desired 2-phenyl isomer content of in the final product.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a fluorine-containing mordenite catalyst and use thereof in the manufacture of alkylbenzene (LAB) by alkylation of benzene with an olefin. The olefin may have from about 10 to 14 carbons. The fluorine-containing mordenite is prepared typically by treatment with an aqueous hydrogen fluoride solution. The benzene alkylation may be conducted using reactive distillation. This invention is also directed to a process for production of LAB having a high 2-phenyl isomer content by use of the fluorine-containing mordenite in conjunction with a conventional solid LAB alkylation catalyst. The two catalysts may be used in a mixed catalyst bed or may be packed in series, with the relative proportions being adjusted to provide a desired 2-phenyl isomer content of in the final product.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a reactive distillation process and system for the alkylation of liquid aromatic compounds with a liquid olefin or olefin/paraffin mixture. The aromatic compound may have from about 6 to about 30 carbons and the olefin may have from about 8 to 30 carbons. The system has a reactor configuration utilizing an alkylation catalyst, a reboiler with product takeoff, and a feed inlet above the catalyst bed. The system may also include a means for in-situ mixing of the aromatic compound and olefin or olefin/paraffin mixture, an overhead condenser and/or a water takeoff.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a reactive distillation process and system for the alkylation of liquid aromatic compounds with a liquid olefin or olefin/paraffin mixture. The aromatic compound may have from about 6 to about 30 carbons and the olefin may have from about 8 to 30 carbons. The system has a reactor configuration utilizing an alkylation catalyst, a reboiler with product takeoff, and a feed inlet above the catalyst bed. The system may also include a means for in-situ mixing of the aromatic compound and olefin or olefin/paraffin mixture, an overhead condenser and/or a water takeoff.