Exxon Research and Engineering Company

Theodorus M Wortel

James L Carter

John C Roarty

Ramdas Venkatram

Jan H Schutten

A zeolite-based catalyst containing a metal oxide or oxide complex is dried by heating while in contact with the gas. Heat input to the catalyst and hence the rate of catalyst temperature increase are controlled so as to limit the rate of water evolution from the catalyst and the water vapor concentration in the gas, thereby to maintain the metal oxide or complex in dispersed form within the pores of the zeolite.

Catalyst drying and activation methods

Highly selective oxidative coupling of aromatic methyl groups, such as coupling toluene to DPE, is effected under mild, liquid phase conditions with a peroxodisulfate without expensive metal ion catalysts, in presence of substantial amounts, preferably equimolar, of methyl, ethyl or benzyl substituted quaternary ammonium salts. A continuous process is possible by electrolytic regeneration of the spent oxidant.

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Moerkapelle, Netherlands

Theodorus M Wortel