Ethylbenzene

Abstract

Dry benzene, a catalyst slurry (of fresh aluminum chloride and ethyl benzene) , and ethylene are charged to the alkylation reactor together with recycle polyethyl benzenes an a small quantity of ethyl chloride (catalyst promoter). Reaction is conducted in the liquid phase at l40-200oC with residence times, of at least 15 minutes. The reaction products pass through a transalkylation reactor maintained at conditions similar to the alkylation reactor. The alkylate is washed by water, caustic and again with water prior to