Patent ID: 8134036
Filing Date: 2012-03-13
Classification: C07C,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A method for the liquid-phase alkylation of an aromatic substrate comprising: providing an alkylation reaction zone having one or more catalyst beds, wherein the one or more catalyst beds comprises a first catalyst having a cerium ion modified zeolite beta catalyst for resistance to gas phase alkene deactivation by the inclusion of said cerium ion; introducing a feedstock of an aromatic substrate and an alkylating agent comprising ethylene into the alkylation reaction zone and into contact with the one or more catalyst beds wherein at least a portion of the ethylene is in a gas phase upon entering the alkylation reaction zone; operating the alkylation reaction zone at temperature and pressure conditions in which the aromatic substrate is in a liquid phase to cause liquid-phase alkylation of the aromatic substrate to produce an alkylation product; and withdrawing the alkylation product from the multistage alkylation reaction zone; wherein the one or more catalyst beds further comprise a second catalyst having a cerium content that is less than that of the first catalyst, and wherein the second catalyst is located downstream from the first catalyst within the one or more catalyst beds to thereby cause the first catalyst to contact the alkylating agent before the alkylating agent contacts the second catalyst; wherein all of the ethylene is present in a liquid phase upon contacting the second catalyst.