IMPROVED PROCESS FOR THE DISPROPORTIONATION OF TOLUENE TO A MIXTURE OF BENZENE AND XYLENES

摘要

Improved process for the disproportionation of toluene in a single step to a mixture of benzene and xylenes comprising reacting toluene and hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst material consisting of a mixture of amorphous and crystalline alumina, silica and alumina silicates and the oxide of nickel with desired cations as an ammonium compound with the chemical formula R1xR2yN + wherein R1 and R2 are alkyl radicals like ethyl, propyl or butyl and R1 is not the same as R2, the values of x and y vary between 1 to 3 and may or may not be the same and the sum of values is equal to 4 and separating, if required, the benzene and xylene by known methods.