Removal of polar contaminants from aromatic feedstocks

An aromatic alkylation process comprising the steps of:

• (a) contacting an aromatic feedstock containing polar compounds in an adsorption zone with an adsorbent selective for the adsorption of said polar compounds, said adsorbent comprising a molecular sieve having pores and/or surface cavities with a cross-sectional dimensions greater than 5.6 Angstroms and said adsorption zone being at a temperature of less than or equal to 130° C.;
• (b) withdrawing from said adsorption zone a treated feedstock which is substantially free of said polar compounds;
• and
• (c) passing said treated feedstock to an alkylation zone containing an alkylation catalyst comprising a molecular sieve and contacting said treated feedstock with an alkylating agent in said alkylation zone under liquid phase alkylation conditions so as to produce an alkylated aromatic compound.