The Dow Chemical Company

Rebecca G Moore

Fred A Sherrod

Allen R Smith

Phillip W Dellinger

Philip W Dellinger

A process using a particular catalyst in the dehydrogenation of an alkyl aromatic compound, e.g., ethylbenzene, to form a vinyl aromatic compound, e.g., styrene. The catalyst comprises a calcination product of (a) at least one iron oxide; (b) at least one carbonate, bicarbonate, oxide or hydroxide of potassium and/or cesium; (c) an oxide, carbonate, nitrate or hydroxide of cerium, or a mixture of at least two thereof; (d) an hydraulic cement; (e) an hydroxide, carbonate, bicarbonate, acetate, oxalate, nitrate, or sulfate of sodium, in an amount sufficient to provide from 0.2 to 10 percent sodium, calculated as sodium oxide, by weight of the calcined catalyst; and (f) a carbonate, sulfate, or hydroxide, of calcium or a mixture of at least two thereof, in an amount sufficient to provide from 1.5 to 20 percent calcium, calculated as calcium oxide, by weight of the calcined catalyst. The catalyst has improved moisture stability compared to catalysts in which at least one of (e) or (f) is not met.

Process using a catalyst to dehydrogenate an alkyl aromatic compound

A calcined dehydrogenation catalyst comprising at least one sodium compound and one calcium compound is disclosed. The catalyst exhibits improved moisture stability as evidenced by improved crush strength and resistance to swelling and cracking.

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Lake Jackson, TX, United States of America

Rebecca G Moore