Sun Ventures, Inc.

John A Hedge

Alan F Dickason

Wesley E Cherry

Selective adsorption of one cyclic compound from a fluid mixture with a structurally similar cyclic compound can be obtained with molecular sieves (crystalline aluminosilicate zeolites) which have been partially dehydrated at a temperature in the range of 80.degree.-300.degree.C. Preferably the Al/Si ratio in the zeolite framework is in the range of 0.2-0.65. For example, m-xylene can be separated from p-xylene by selective adsorption of the m-xylene on NaY zeolite which was partially dehydrated at 125.degree. C. and contains about 12 wt % water by ignition analysis.

Separation of cyclic compounds with molecular sieve adsorbent

A catalyst comprising SB-Ni-Mo has been found to be very selective, stable and long-lasting in the conversion of butane to maleic anhydride. Other metals such as Co, Cu, or Zn may be substituted for Ni with like results. An improved method for preparing this catalyst is also provided herein.

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Wilmington, DE, United States of America

John A Hedge