Patent ID: 6642425
Filing Date: 2003-11-04
Classification: C07C,Y02P

Abstract:
A process for the continuous preparation of mono-alkylated aromatic compounds in a reactive distillation column including a reactive zone, a first rectification zone at the top of the distillation column and a second rectification zone below said reactive zone and further containing a solid acid alkylation catalyst supported in the reactive zone, said process comprising:A. introducing into the distillation column, at a point just above the catalyst zone and below said first rectification zone at least a portion of an olefin feedstock selected from the group consisting of C6-C18 olefins and a C6-C18 olefins/paraffins mixture; B. introducing into the distillation column, at a point below the catalyst zone but above said second rectification zone, an amount of aromatic hydrocarbon having from about 6 to about 30 carbon atoms, such that the aromatic hydrocarbon flows upward and contacts the olefin feedstock in the liquid phase as it descends and flows through the catalyst zone, said second rectification zone including a reboiler; C. maintaining an internal pressure in the reactive zone and the combination of olefin feedstock and aromatic hydrocarbon at reflux in said reboiler such that the temperature in the reboiler stays below about 265Â° C., and wherein the molar ratio of the aromatic hydrocarbon to the olefin in the liquid phase is between about 20/1 to about 100/1.