Design and development of zeolite-based catalytic processes for aromatics production

Processes for the production of xylenes, which occur in an integrated aromatic complex, are discussed. A brief overview of the work carried out at Indian Petrochemicals Corporation Limited for the development of zeolite-based catalytic processes for the production of aromatics is presented. This includes xylene isomerization, transalkylation and disproportionation Of C-7 and C-9 aromatics for maximization of xylenes, selective disproportionation of toluene and selective alkylation of m ono-alkyl aromatics to p-dialkylbenzene. Achievements in the commercialization of zeolite-based catalysts and processes for isomerization of M-xylene to p- and o-xylene along with dealkylation of ethylbenzene, and for selective ethylation of ethylbenzene to produce p-diethylbenzene are highlighted.