Selective toluene disproportionation over ZSM‐5 zeolites

Abstract

Abstract Selective toluene disproportionation to benzene and xylenes is investigated over HZSM‐5 and modified HZSM‐5 zeolites. The zeolites are modified with nickel, magnesium, phosphorus and boron, characterised by sorption, acidity measurement and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and their activity towards toluene disproportionation is discussed in the light of their physico‐chemical properties. The two types of active sites have been identified; one promoting disproportionation and the other cracking and dealkylation of toluene. It is found that the latter sites are suppressed due to incorporation of the modifiers. The modified zeolites are found to be para‐selective which appears to be consistent with the commonly accepted view that modifiers like magnesium, phosphorus and boron reside in the channels and react with Brønsted acid sites, leading to partial blockages and thus favouring the formation of p ‐xylene. The effect of poisoning the zeolite with 1‐methylisoquinoline is also investigated. In the case of poisoned catalyst, p ‐xylene is produced at levels up to 99%. The total elimination of other isomers from the products is suggested due to the selective poisoning of the non‐selective sites (on the external crystal surface) and to partial blocking of the pore openings.