EFFECTS OF NONFRAMEWORK ALUMINA IN THE ACYLATION OF XYLENE OVER USY

USY zeolites are active catalysts for the benzoylation of m-xylene. Th e activity depends on the stabilization procedure, the reaction condit ions and, in particular, on the solvent and the acylating agent used. investigation of the catalysts and the reaction mixture by elemental a nalysis and NMR shows that non-framework alumina species in stabilized Y catalysts interact with chloride acylating agents and become cataly tically active. The active material thus formed is soluble in sulfolan e and the dissolved species are active homogeneous acylation catalysts .