Patent ID: 8981170
Filing Date: 2015-03-17
Classification: C07C

Abstract:
1. A process for producing a cycloalkylaromatic compound, the process comprising: (a) supplying an aromatic compound, hydrogen and at least one diluent to a hydroalkylation reaction zone, wherein the weight ratio of the diluent to the aromatic compound supplied to the hydroalkylation reaction zone, as measured at the input to the hydroalkylation reaction zone, is in the range from 1:100 to 100:1 and wherein the molar ratio of hydrogen to the aromatic compound supplied to the hydroalkylation reaction zone, as measured at the input to the hydroalkylation reaction zone, is in the range from 1:100 to 100:1; and (b) contacting the aromatic compound, hydrogen and the at least one diluent under hydroalkylation conditions with a hydroalkylation catalyst in the hydroalkylation reaction zone to produce an effluent comprising a cycloalkylaromatic compound, wherein the hydroalkylation catalyst comprises an MCM-22 family molecular sieve, and the addition of the diluent reduces the weight ratio of dicyclohexylbenzene to cyclohexylbenzene in the effluent.