Transalkylation of Toluene with Trimethylbenzene Over Mordenite Zeolite for Xylene Production Maximization

Abstract

Transalkylation of aromatic hydrocarbons is an important industrial process for enhancing xylene production and improving the utilization of refinery-derived feedstocks. This study investigates the transalkylation of toluene with trimethylbenzene over a mordenite zeolite catalyst for maximizing xylene yield under controlled reaction conditions. The research focuses on evaluating catalyst performance, product selectivity, and reaction kinetics with emphasis on optimizing operating parameters for enhanced aromatic conversion. Experimental analyses were conducted in a fixed-bed reactor to examine the effects of reaction temperature, pressure, feed molar ratio, space velocity, and catalyst loading on toluene conversion and xylene distribution. Results demonstrated that the mordenite zeolite catalyst exhibited high catalytic activity and strong selectivity toward xylene formation due to its acidic active sites and shape-selective pore structure. Optimized operating conditions significantly enhanced transalkylation efficiency while minimizing undesirable side reactions such as disproportionation and coke formation. The catalyst promoted effective transfer of methyl groups between aromatic compounds, resulting in increased production of valuable xylene isomers suitable for petrochemical applications. Kinetic and mechanistic evaluations revealed that reaction pathways are strongly influenced by catalyst acidity, pore diffusion characteristics, and hydrocarbon adsorption behavior within the zeolite framework. Catalyst stability studies confirmed sustained activity and resistance to deactivation during prolonged reaction operation. Comparative assessment with conventional catalytic systems indicated that mordenite zeolite provides improved selectivity, higher aromatic conversion efficiency, and reduced energy requirements.