abstract |
Reduction of the amount of 1,1-diphenylethane formed in the production of ethylbenzene by alkylation of benzene with ethylene can be effected by alkylating at a low concentration of ethylene. This invention allows operation at a low molar ratio of phenyl groups per ethyl group and leads to a product containing less than 1.0 wt-% 1,1-diphenylethane relative to ethylbenzene. This invention is applicable to processes for the production of a wide variety of other commercially important alkylated aromatics. |