Improved selectivity to lower substituted methylamines using hydrothermally treated zeolite Rho

Zeolite Rho is of particular interest for the methanol ammination reaction. Reaction/regeneration cycles on Rho lead to improved activity and selectiv ity. This is shown to be caused by the combustion on the surface of residua l methyl groups, which leads to in situ steaming of the catalyst. Mild hydr othermal treatment gives similar results. The results of both cases are att ributed to physico-chemical changes within the catalyst. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.