EFFECT OF EXTRUSION AND SILYLATION OF ZSM-5 ON PARA SELECTIVITY OF DIETHYLBENZENES

Zeolite extrusion using an alumina binder in different proportions and its effect on the selectivity for the para isomer in diethylbenzenes during ethylbenzene ethylation with ethanol is reported. The study als o includes the silylation of extrudates of zeolites with different Si/ Al ratios to enhance the para selectivity. It was observed that in the presence of binder the diethylbenzenes fraction contained less pain i somer due to increased isomerization of primary product of alkylation. As compared to pure zeolite, the extrudates required a higher amount of silica deposition to enhance the para selectivity.