TOLUENE DISPROPORTIONATION REACTION OVER HZSM-5 ZEOLITES - KINETICS AND MECHANISM

Six samples of ZSM-5 catalyst with silica-to-alumina ratios ranging from 30 to 167 were used to investigate the kinetics, product distribution, and mechanism in the toluene disproportionation reaction. The reaction was carried out under the conditions of atmospheric pressure and a temperature range of 470-570 °C. Both nitrogen and hydrogen carrier gases were used during the experiment. The toluene disproportionation reaction showed a first-order dependence on the toluene partial pressure with an activation energy of 28.4 kcal/mol. Based on the results obtained, a generalized equation for the pseudo-first-order rate constant is proposed. © 1990, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.