Patent ID: 11767280

Abstract:
Processes for making phenol and xylenes from a phenols-containing feed are described. The processes involve transalkylation of alkylphenols to form phenol and alkylbenzenes. The phenol is separated from the alkylbenzenes, and the alkylbenzenes may be separated into benzene, toluene, xylenes, and heavy alkylbenzene streams. The benzene stream may be recycled to the transalkylation reaction zone. The toluene may be sent to a disproportionation reaction zone, and the product is sent back to the aromatic separation zone. The toluene can also be recycled to the transalkylation zone. The xylenes are separated into a p-xylene stream and a mixed xylene stream comprising m-xylene and o-xylene. The mixed xylene stream is isomerized and the isomerized product is sent back to the aromatic separation zone. The heavy alkylbenzenes are dealkylated and separated, with the aromatic stream being recycled to the aromatic separation zone.