Abstract: A method of modifying a ZSM-5-type zeolite catalyst to increase selectivity of the catalyst for para-isomers in aromatic alkylation reactions is provided. The method includes contacting a ZSM-5-type zeolite catalyst with a fluoride-containing compound. The fluoride-containing zeolite catalyst can be used in aromatic alkylation to provide di-alkyl aromatic products. A method of preparing a xylene product is also accomplished by providing a fluoride-treated ZSM-5-type zeolite catalyst within a reactor. The fluoride-treated ZSM-5 zeolite catalyst is contacted with a toluene/methanol feed under reaction conditions conditions suitable for toluene methylation to form a xylene product containing at least 50% para-xylene by total mixed xylenes.

Abstract: A catalyst is formed from a phosphorus-containing ZSM-5-type zeolite. The ZSM-5-type zeolite has a silica/alumina molar ratio of at least 200. The phosphorus-containing ZSM-5-type zeolite also has a phosphorus content of at least 8% by weight of zeolite and has multiple phosphorus species exhibited by at least two 31P MAS NMR peaks with maxima at from about 0 to about ?50 ppm. The catalyst may be used in aromatic alkylation by contacting the catalyst with a feed of an aromatic hydrocarbon and an alkylating agent under reaction conditions suitable for aromatic alkylation.

Abstract: A method of modifying a zeolite catalyst to increase para-xylene selectivity of the zeolite catalyst in toluene methylation reactions is provided. The method includes forming a slurry of a ZSM-5-type zeolite and an aqueous solution of a phosphorus compound. Water is removed from the slurry to provide a non-steamed, phosphorus treated ZSM-5 zeolite catalyst without deposition of phosphorus onto the catalyst by organophosphorus vapor deposition. The resulting non-steamed, phosphorus treated ZSM-5 zeolite catalyst has a pore volume of from 0.2 ml/g or less and provides greater than 80% para-xylene selectivity of mixed xylenes when used in toluene methylation.

Abstract: A method of modifying a zeolite catalyst to increase selectivity of the catalyst is achieved by dissolving alumina in a phosphorus-containing acid solution, and treating the zeolite catalyst with the dissolved alumina solution. A method of preparing an aromatic product, such as a xylene product, is also achieved by contacting the modified zeolite catalyst with an aromatic hydrocarbon, such as toluene, and an alkylating agent, such as methanol, under reaction conditions suitable for aromatic alkylation. For xylene products the aromatic hydrocarbon may be toluene and the reaction conditions may be suitable for at least one of toluene methylation and transalkylation.

Abstract: A method of converting methanol to a xylene product is achieved by providing a reactor containing a non-steamed, phosphorus-treated ZSM-5-type zeolite catalyst. The catalyst is contacted with a toluene/methanol feed under reactor conditions suitable for the methylation of toluene. Water cofeed is introduced into the reactor during the methylation reaction under conditions that provide substantially no structural aluminum loss of the catalyst from such introduction of water to provide a selectivity for methanol of at least 40%.

Abstract: A method of modifying a zeolite catalyst to increase selectivity of the catalyst is achieved by dissolving alumina in a phosphorus-containing acid solution, and treating the zeolite catalyst with the dissolved alumina solution. A method of preparing an aromatic product, such as a xylene product, is also achieved by contacting the modified zeolite catalyst with an aromatic hydrocarbon, such as toluene, and an alkylating agent, such as methanol, under reaction conditions suitable for aromatic alkylation. For xylene products the aromatic hydrocarbon may be toluene and the reaction conditions may be suitable for at least one of toluene methylation and transalkylation.

Abstract: A method of modifying a zeolite catalyst to increase selectivity of the catalyst is achieved by dissolving alumina in a phosphorus-containing acid solution, and treating the zeolite catalyst with the dissolved alumina solution. A method of preparing an aromatic product, such as a xylene product, is also achieved by contacting the modified zeolite catalyst with an aromatic hydrocarbon, such as toluene, and an alkylating agent, such as methanol, under reaction conditions suitable for aromatic alkylation. For xylene products the aromatic hydrocarbon may be toluene and the reaction conditions may be suitable for at least one of toluene methylation and transalkylation.

Abstract: A catalyst for use in aromatic alkylation, such as toluene alkylation with methanol, is comprised of a zeolite with pore size from about 5.0 to about 7.0 ? containing a hydrogenating metal. The catalyst may be used in preparing an alkyl aromatic product by providing the catalyst within a reactor. The catalyst may be contacted with an aromatic hydrocarbon and an alkylating agent in the presence of hydrogen under reaction conditions suitable for aromatic alkylation. The catalyst may also be treated to further increase its stability. This is accomplished by heating the hydrogenating metal loaded zeolite catalyst in the presence of a reducing agent prior to use in an aromatic alkylation reaction to a temperature of from about 400° C. to about 500 ° C. for about 0.5 to about 10 hours.

Abstract: A method of preparing a xylene product is carried out by providing a reactor containing a non-steamed, phosphorus-treated ZSM-5-type zeolite catalyst. The catalyst is contacted with a toluene/methanol feed and a cofeed of hydrogen under reactor conditions suitable for the methylation of toluene. Water is introducing into the reactor during the methylation reaction under conditions that provide substantially no structural aluminum loss of the catalyst from such introduction of water.

Abstract: A method of preparing a xylene product is carried out in a reactor containing a phosphorus-treated ZSM-5-type zeolite catalyst. The method includes initiating a unique start-up of a toluene methylation reaction by contacting the catalyst with a toluene/methanol feed and a cofeed of hydrogen introduced into the reactor at certain start-up conditions. By utilizing the start-up conditions high selectivity for p-xylene can be achieved while providing stable catalytic activity over extended periods.