| abstract |
A chromatographic process able to separate para-xylene frpm C8 isomers and C9 aromatics. In the process, the para-xylene-containing feed mixture is contacted with an X or Y zeolite adsorbent having Group IA or IIA cations, e.g., barium and/or potassium, at exchangeable cationic sites. The para-xylene components are selectively adsorbed onto the adsorbent. The non-adsorbed feed is then removed from the adsorbent and the para-xylene recovered by desorption with tetralin or alkyl derivatives of tetralin. The C9's and the other xylene isomers in the raffinate, can be separated from this heavy desorbent by fractionation of the raffinate and the desorbent recycled to the process. |