Transformations of xylenes in trimethylammonium hydrochloride—Aluminum chloride ionic liquid

Abstract

Abstract Isomerization of m-, o-and p-xylenes in the presence of trimethylammonium hydrochloride-AlCl3 ionic liquid with different composition was studied. Ionic liquids with the following ammonium salt: AlCl3 molar ratios were used: 1∶2, 1∶1.5 and 1∶1.25. It was shown that isomerization of xylenes proceeds under mild conditions at temperatures from 60°C to 110°C. It was found that the activity and selectivity of the ionic liquids depends on their composition. The most effective catalyst was the ionic liquid with the ammonium salt: AlCl3 molar ratio equal to 1∶2.