Benzene reduction in gasoline by olefin alkylation: Effect of the catalyst on a C(6)-reformate heart- cut

The study presented here compares the performance of different zeolite catalysts (Beta, ZSM-5 and Beta:ZSM-5 composites) for benzene alkylation by propylene with a benzene enriched reformate heart-cut (13 wt% benzene). The experiments were carried out in a batch system with a 1/1 benzene:propylene mole ratio at 220 'C for 1 h. The results showed that an increase in conversion produced decreases in cumene selectivity and oligomers formation. These results were associated to Beta contained catalysts. Lower conversions related to a higher oligomers production and lower di-isorpropylbenzene isomers formation, were obtained with a ZSM-5 catalyst. Results were compared with pure benzene/propylene alkylation tests carried out at similar experimental conditions.