| abstract |
A process for alkylating aromatic compounds wherein the product aromatics are provided with one or more alkyl groups possessing at least two carbon atoms is disclosed wherein starting aromatic compound(s) and an alkylating atent which is a mixture of hydrogen and/or a hydrogen-containing substance which provides hydrogen under process conditions and a carbon oxide, e.g., a mixture of syngas (hydrogen and carbon monoxide) are reacted at elevated temperature in the presence of an activated catalyst containing metal values selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, ruthenium, manganese, rhodium and osmium, and a zeolite having a constraint index of 12 or less, e.g., ZSM-5. The alkylated aromatics can be dealkylated by known and conventional means to provide olefin and the dealkylated aromatics can be recycled to the alkylation zone. |