| abstract |
An integrated process for producing aromatic hydrocarbons and ethylene and/or propylene and optionally other lower olefins from low molecular weight hydrocarbons, preferably methane, which comprises: (a) contacting one or more low molecular weight alkanes, preferably methane, with a halogen, preferably bromine, under process conditions sufficient to produce a monohaloalkane, preferably monobromomethane, (b) reacting a first portion of the monohaloalkane in the presence of a coupling catalyst under process conditions sufficient to produce aromatic hydrocarbons and C2-5 alkanes, (c) separating the aromatic hydrocarbons from the product mixture of step (b) to produce aromatic hydrocarbons, (d) reacting a second portion of the monohaloalkane in the presence of a coupling catalyst under process conditions sufficient to produce ethylene and/or propylene. |