ADSORPTIVE SEPARATION OF DIMETHYL BIPHENYL REGIOISOMERS USING 12-MEMBER RING ZEOLITE SORBENTS

摘要

A process for separating dimethyl biphenyl (DMBP) isomers, including contacting a mixture of 3,3′-DMBP, 3,4′-DMBP and 4,4′-DMBP in a first solvent with a 12-member ring zeolite exchanged with potassium or barium, or combinations thereof, and adsorbing the 3,3′-DMBP onto the 12-member ring zeolite, such as by passing the mixture through at least one packed bed of the potassium and/or barium exchanged 12-member ring zeolite.