Abstract: A process for converting a heavy aromatics feed to lighter aromatic products, such as benzene and xylene, by reacting C.sub.9+ aromatic hydrocarbons and toluene or benzene under transalkylation reaction conditions, over a first catalyst composition including a zeolite having a constraint index ranging from 0.5 to 3 and a hydrogenation component and a second catalyst composition including an intermediate pore size zeolite having a constraint index ranging from 3 to 12 and a silica to alumina ratio of at least about 5, to produce a transalkylation reaction product containing benzene or toluene and xylene. The benzene or toluene from the reaction product can then be distilled to obtain a benzene or toluene product.

Abstract: This is a process for upgrading a petroleum naphtha fraction. The naphtha is subjected to reforming and the reformate is cascaded to a benzene and toluene synthesis zone over a benzene and toluene synthesis catalyst comprising a molecular sieve of low acid activity. The preferred molecular sieve is steamed ZSM-5. The benzene and toluene synthesis zone is operated under conditions compatible with the conditions of the reformer such as pressures of above about 50 psig (446 kPa) and temperatures above about 800.degree. F. (427.degree. C). In one aspect of the invention, the benzene and toluene synthesis catalyst includes a metal hydrogenation component such as cobalt, nickel, platinum or palladium. In one mode of operation, the benzene and toluene synthesis catalyst replaces at least a portion of the catalyst of the reformer. The process produces a product containing an increased proportion of benzene and toluene, and a reduced proportion of C8 aromatics, particularly ethylbenzenes, as compared to the reformate.