Process for making cumene by alkylation of benzene using an organotemplate-free zeolite beta

A process for preparing cumene by alkylation of benzene with propylene, wherein said process comprises:

• contacting a feed mixture, comprising benzene and propylene in relative proportions such that the molar ratio of benzene-to-propylene is less than 12:1, at a reactor inlet temperature from 80 to 130 ° C. and an WHSV from 6 to 20with a benzene alkylation catalyst contained within a reaction zone defined by a reactor, wherein said benzene alkylation catalyst comprises an organotemplate-free zeolite beta, having a silica-to-alumina molar ratio (SAR) of less than 20, that is synthesized in the presence of a material absence of an organotemplate;
• and
• yielding an alkylation product, comprising benzene, cumene, and at least one other reaction product;
• wherein the process provides for a high cumene selectivity of at least 94%.