The Selective Conversion of Methyl and Ethyl Acetate to High Content Alkyl Aromatic Hydrocarbons over H-ZSM5

Abstract

This research is devoted to a catalytic process using the H-ZSM5 catalyst for the conversion of methyl and ethyl acetate to hydrocarbon aromatics. These reactions are carried out in a fixed bed reactor under atmospheric pressure at 370°C. The distribution of products was measured by GC-Mass spectrometer. The variation of weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) on the conversion of these esters to aromatic hydrocarbons showed a significant effect on carbon distribution. The deactivation catalyst by time was monitored using product selectivity and conversion. The production of alkyl and poly alkyl aromatic compounds was formed under controlled conditions. The advantages of these methods are the formation of a higher concentration of octane number booster poly alkyl aromatic compounds (mono-aromatics) from esters as starting materials. Moreover, the catalyst lifetime on stream was investigated and exhibited longer catalyst lifetime for ethyl acetate conversion than methyl acetate.