Patent ID: 6660896
Filing Date: 2003-12-09
Classification: C07C

Abstract:
A process for isomerizing a feed comprising ethylbenzene and a mixture of xylene isomers, said process comprising(a) contacting said feed under xylene isomerization conditions with a first catalyst composition to produce an intermediate product having a higher para-xylene concentration than the feed, and then (b) contacting at least part of said intermediate product under ethylbenzene isomerization conditions with a second catalyst composition comprising a hydrogenation-dehydrogenation component and a molecular- sieve having 10-membered ring pores, said second catalyst composition being effective under said ethylbenzene isomerization conditions to selectively isomerize at least part of the ethylbenzene in said intermediate product to para-xylene and thereby produce a further product having a para-xylene concentration greater than the equilibrium concentration of para-xylene at said ethylbenzene isomerization conditions.