Alkylation process and apparatus useful therein

Abstract

This invention relates to conversion processes which take place in the presence of solid acid catalysts, e.g., hydrocarbon conversion processes. More specifically, this invention relates to a process for the alkylation of organic compounds, preferably aromatic and paraffinic hydrocarbons, with alkylating agents, e.g., alkyl chlorides, alkyl sulfonates, alkyl epoxides, alkynes, etc., in the presence of a polyfluorosulfonic acid catalyst. In one preferred embodiment of the instant process the selectivity to the monoalkylated reaction product of said organic compound and said alkylating agent is maximized by (1) refluxing a mixture comprising said compound and the alkylated derivative thereof, (2) separating from the mixture of step (1) an overhead product comprising said organic compound, said overhead product being substantially free from said alkylated derivatives, (3) condensing said overhead product, (4) contacting said condensed overhead product with said alkylating agent in the presence of a polyfluorosulfonic acid catalyst, at conditions whereby a portion of said organic compound is reacted to form the alkylated derivative thereof, and (5) returning the resultant mixture of the organic compound and its alkylated derivative to the refluxing mixture of step (1). Fresh organic compound may be continuously added to said refluxing mixture while continuously withdrawing said alkylated derivatives. Preferably said organic compound is benzene and said olefin is selected from the group consisting of ethylene and propylene.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.