Disproportionation mechanism study of probing by n-propylbenzene

Abstract

Disproportionation of n-propylbenzene is proposed as a method of exploring the intrinsic reaction mechanisms and internal pore systems of zeolites. It was found that the reaction mechanism depends on the internal pore structure. From the distribution of dipropylbenzene isomers, the reaction mechanisms of both monomolecular and bimolecular reactions are elucidated. Only the zeolites with 12-membered rings and open pore structures undergo the bimolecular reaction mechanisms. The selectivity of dipropylbenzene ring isomers is product shape selective with respect to the size of the zeolite pore opening. Zeolites with bimolecular reaction mechanism exhibit higher disproportionation selectivity and catalytic stability than those with monomolecular reaction mechanism. It was determined that Zeolite beta has very open internal pore space and a loose structure.