Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc.

Takayo Sasaki

Makoto Takagawa

Akio Hashimoto

Norio Fushimi

Kenichi Nakamura

Ryusuke Shigematsu

Kinji Kato

Kenji Inamasa

Their is disclosed a process for producing a monoalkenyl aromatic hydrocarbon compound (e.g. 5-(o-tolyl)-2-pentene) which comprises the steps of alkenylating a side chain of an aromatic hydrocarbon compound having at lease one hydrogen atom bonded to .alpha.-position of the side chain (e.g. alkylbenzene) by the use of a conjugated diene having 4 to 5 carbon atoms (e.g. 1-3 butadiene) in the presence an alkali metal-based catalyst supported on a carrier; removing at least part of the catalyst from the resultant reaction product by separating the same; inactivating and optionally removing the catalyst contained in the reaction product; and thereafter distilling the reaction produce in liquid form to separate and recover the objective monoalkenyl aromatic hydrocarbon compound. By virtue of using the above specific method, the process can prevent the change in quality and properly of the objective product even during atmospheric distillation, produce the objective product with high purity in high recovery race and operate a distillation column during a long stable period of time.

Process for producing monoalkenyl aromatic hydrocarbon compound

A method for isomerizing dimethylnaphthalene (DMN) in the gaseous phase in the presence of a solvent comprising an aromatic hydrocarbon having a boiling point of at most 150.degree. C., e.g., benzene, under atmospheric pressure by using a catalyst comprising a hydrogen-form of mordenite. According to the method, the objective 2,6-DMN can be produced with a minimal content of impurities and the 2,6-DMN can be stably produced in high selectivity and high yield under mild reaction conditions for a long period of time, while suppressing side reactions.

Method for isomerizing dimethylnaphthalene

There is disclosed a process for producing a monoalkenylbenzene which comprises alkenylating a side chain of an aromatic hydrocarbon compound having at least one hydrogen atom bonded at .alpha.-position of the side chain (such as xylene) with a conjugated diene having 4 or 5 carbon atoms (such as butadiene) in the presence of a catalyst produced by calcining the mixture of a basic potassium compound and alumina and then heat treating the calcined product together with metallic sodium in an atmosphere of an inert gas. According to the aforesaid process, an industrially useful monoalkenylbenzene can be produced in high yield at a low cost with enhanced safety.

Process for producing a monoalkenyl aromatic hydrocarbon compound

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Tsukuba, Japan

Takayo Sasaki