PROCESS FOR PRODUCING CUMENE

In a process for producing cumene, isopropanol containing nitrogenous impurities is reacted with benzene in an alkylation reactor to produce an effluent stream comprising cumene, unreacted benzene and water. Water is removed from the effluent stream and an aliquot of the resultant dried effluent stream is treated to remove nitrogenous impurities and produce a purified recycle stream. At least part of the purified recycle stream is then recycled to the alkylation reactor. In an alternative embodiment, the isopropanol is combined with fresh and/or recycled benzene and the combined stream is treated to remove nitrogenous impurities before being fed to the alkylation reactor.