Research and development of ethyl benzene synthesis by benzene alkylation with ethylene in liquid phase

Research and development results are reported for the synthesis of ethyl benzene by benzene alkylation with ethylene on AEB type zeolite catalyst in liquid phase. The influence of reaction conditions, including reaction temperature, pressure, benzene/ethylene molar ratio and space velocity, to reaction results was studied and the appropriate conditions were established. Activity-stability experiment for the liquid phase alkylation of benzene with ethylene was proceeded for 2000hrs, the average values of ethylene conversion, ethyl-benzene selectivity and ethylation selectivity were 100%, 94.5% and 99.0% respectively. Activity-stability experiment for liquid phase transalkylation of benzene with multi-ethyl benzene was also conducted for 2000hrs, and the average values of diethyl benzene conversion, multi-ethyl benzene conversion and ethyl benzene selectivity were 75.5%, 72.7% and 98.7% respectively. These results showed that the AEB type catalyst has superior activity, selectivity and stability. A new process of liquid phase alkylation of benzene with ethylene was developed. The pilot plant scale up of 500kg catalyst was prepared, and the 400t/a pilot plant test was completed.