Catalytic alkylation of benzene in vapour phase

ABSTRACT

The catalytic alkylation of benzene in vapour phase was carried out over Egyptian natural aluminosilicate clay. The clay was activated with 10 percent ZnCl2 solution and the catalytic reaction was carried out at 200-350 degree. The ratio between the reactants, benzene isobutylchloride was kept 11 by volume and feed rate 1 ml/min. The percentage reaction increases on increasing the reaction temperature, reaching a maximum value [42.3 percent] at 300 degree the products consisted of mono-, di- and trialkylated benzenes together with an increasing amount of liquid Cg hydrocarbons which may be produced as a result of dimerisation of the alkylating agent. The catalyst used, however, exhibited a marked selectivity for the production of monoalkylbenzene