Isomerization of Alkyl Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Abstract

Alkyl aromatic hydrocarbons are isomerized using a unique stabilized hydrogen Y zeolite catalyst prepared by a sequence of (1) partial ammonium ion exchange of sodium Y zeolite, (2) steam calcination of the partially exchanged zeolite, preferably at relatively high temperatures, (3) further ammonium ion exchange to reduce the sodium content to a very low level, and (4) a second calcination at relatively low temperatures.