| abstract |
The present invention relates to a process for producing aromatic compounds from C2-C6 aliphatic hydrocarbons. In this process, a feedstock containing C2-C6 aliphatic hydrocarbons is passed into a reaction zone and into contact with a catalyst zone containing two discrete catalysts. The first catalyst of the discrete catalyst system is comprised in part of a ZSM-5 zeolite component while the second catalyst of the discrete catalyst system is comprised in part of a catalytically active component that is not ZSM-5 which exhibits an acidity lower than that of the first discrete catalyst. A metallic component selected from the Group IIB to IVB Elements of the Periodic Table may be a component of one or both of the discrete catalysts of the instant process as can be a phosphorus-containing alumina component. The discrete catalytic system of the present invention is particularly suited for selectively producing aromatic compounds from C2-C6 aliphatic hydrocarbons while limiting the amount of undesired C1 and C2 by-products produced by the process. |