Patent ID: 7495137
Filing Date: 2009-02-24
Classification: C07C,Y02P

Abstract:
1. A process for the isomerization of a C 8 aromatic non-equilibrium alkylaromatic feed mixture comprising one or more ethylaromatic hydrocarbons comprising the sequential steps of: (a) contacting the feed mixture in liquid phase in the substantial absence of hydrogen in a first isomerization zone with a first isomerization catalyst consisting essentially of from about 10 to 99 mass-% of at least one zeolitic aluminosilicate selected from the group consisting of MTW, Ga-MFI, and a combination thereof and an inorganic-oxide binder at first isomerization conditions to obtain an intermediate stream; and (b) contacting at least part of the intermediate stream in a second isomerization zone with a second isomerization catalyst comprising from about 0.1 to 2 mass-% of at least one platinum-group metal component, about 10 to 90 mass-% of at least one molecular sieve wherein the molecular sieve is a MgAPSO-31 molecular sieve having a framework magnesium content of from about 0.003 to about 0.035 mole fraction, and an inorganic-oxide binder at second isomerization conditions to obtain an isomerized product comprising a concentration of at least one alkylaromatic isomer that is higher than the equilibrium concentration at second isomerization conditions.