Abstract: A process for producing para-xylene by the selective methylation of toluene comprising contacting a reactant mixture comprising toluene, methanol and added water, with an oxide modified ZSM-5 zeolite catalyst in a flow reactor in conditions selected to limit coke formation on the catalyst and at a contact time, between reactant mixture and catalyst, of less than 1 second.

Abstract: A process for the selective oxidation of one or more components of a fluid stream comprises contacting the fluid stream with an oxidation catalyst at a selected temperature and providing a source of oxygen. The oxidation catalyst comprises a catalyst substrate which is provided with a substantially continuous coating of a molecular sieve material. The process is applicable to both gas phase and liquid phase selective oxidations.