Catalyst for isomerizing alkylaromatics

This invention presents a novel catalyst formulation for the isomerization of alkylaromatic hydrocarbons. The catalyst is comprised of at least one Group VIII metal, and a pentasil zeolite having an x-ray diffraction characteristic of ZSM-12 wherein a portion of the aluminum atoms have been replaced with gallium atoms. When utilized in a process for isomerizing a non-equilibrium mixture of xylenes containing ethylbenzene, a greater yield of paraxylene is obtained compared to prior-art processes.