| abstract |
A process for isomerizing xylenes containing ethylbenzene to obtain near equilibrium amounts of paraxylene and to convert the ethylbenzene to hydrocarbons readily removable from the xylenes. The isomerization reaction uses a ZSM-5 type catalyst with 0.05 to 1.5 percent of an added metal such as zinc, cadmium, or barium. The isomerization is carried out in the absence of added hydrogen at low pressure, preferably between about 0 and 200 psig. Relatively low xylene losses are achieved even at high ethylbenzene conversion levels. |