Silica-supported alkylation catalyst

Abstract

The alkylation of benzene-containing feedstock over a zeolite beta alkylation catalyst which is formulated with a silica binder and has an average regeneration coefficient of at least 95% for at least three regenerations. The alkylation reaction is carried out in the liquid phase or supercritical region with a C-Calkylating agent, specifically ethylene. The catalyst exhibits a regeneration coefficient of at least 95% after ethylation of the benzene with ethylene at a benzene/ethylene mole ratio of less than 10. The ethylation of benzene occurs at an initial designated primary activity. The operation of the reaction zone is continued until the activity of the catalyst for the ethylation of benzene decreases by a value of at least 0.1% and not more 1% from the initial designated primary activity. The operation of the reaction for alkylation is terminated and a regeneration procedure is instituted in which the catalyst is regenerated in an oxidizing environment at an average temperature of no more than 500° C. At the conclusion of the regeneration procedure, the operation of the alkylation zone is reinstituted with the reaction zone again operated under conditions as described above followed by regeneration.