Efficient removal of polymerization inhibitors by adsorption on the surface of an optimized alumina

tert-Butylcatechol (TBC) is an efficient inhibitor of parasitic polymerizat ion of many monomers during their transportation and storage. Just before t he monomers are used, removal of the inhibitor is often necessary and can e asily be achieved by adsorption on alumina, The influence of the main physi cal parameters of the alumina on its performance has been particularly stud ied. The accessibility of the TBC molecule into the internal porous network of the alumina beads or extrudates appears to be the key parameter, clearl y more than the specific surface area. Procatalyse's specially optimized Sp heralite 538E performs particularly well in removing TBC from hydrocarbon s treams.