Patent ID: 6271429
Filing Date: 2001-08-07
Classification: C07C

Abstract:
A process for isomerising a feed comprising aromatic compounds containing eight carbon atoms selected from the group consisting of ethyl benzene, meta-xylene, ortho-xylene and mixtures thereof, comprising conducting at least one isomerisation step a) carried out at 320 to 380.degree. C. in the presence of an alumina based supported isomerisation catalyst which comprises at least one zeolite and at least one group VIII noble metal to convert said aromatic compounds to substantial amounts of naphthenes and para-xylene; and conducting at least one downstream dehydrogenation step b) on effluent from step a) in contact with a dehydrogenation catalyst comprising a support containing at least one refractory oxide, at least one group VIII noble metal and at least one element from groups Ia or IIa, said effluent from step a) containing 10 to 30% by weight of naphthenes.