| abstract |
A catalyst composition comprisingn a) from about 30% to 60% by weight of iron oxide, calculated as ferric oxide, b) from about 13% to 48% by weight of potassium compound, calculated as potassium oxide, and c) from 0% to about 5% of chromium compound, calculated as chromic oxide, nat least 50% by weight of said iron oxide being present in said composition in the form of particles ranging in size from about 0.05 to 0.5 micron, which may be used in the dehydrogenation of para-ethyl toluene to para-vinyl toluene. This process involved can be performed at a temperature of 500 to 700°C and a liquid hourly space velocity of 0.3 to 2.0 hours -1 . Steam may be present in a weight ratio of steam to hydrocarbon of 1.3:1 to 4:1. |