Dealkylation of mesitylene and associated alkylation of benzene and toluene in presence of synthetic alumosilicates

Abstract

1. Catalytic conversion of mesitylene mixed with benzene was studied. Under conditions of an elevated pressure of 10–15 atm. and a temperature of 480°, dealkylation of mesitylene and associated alkylation of benzene occurs mainly, with formation of 18–22% toluene and ∼ 17% xylenes. 2. As a result of single-stage treatment of a mixture of mesitylene and toluene over an alumosilicate, 30–32% of a xylene fraction is formed, consisting of 45–50% m-xylene, ∼ 20–25% p-xylene, and ∼ 30% o-xylene. Presence of toluene and benzene depresses mesitylene dismutation practically entirely. 3. On catalytic treatment of mesitylene in presence of alumosilicates, disproportionation of methyl groups occurs mainly, with formation of xylenes and tetramethylbenzenes. In this case, partial hydrocracking of mesitylene methyl groups occurs, with formation of a small amount of toluene, methane and its homologs.