Process for transalkylating benzene and dialkylbenzene

A process for transalkylation of benzene and dialkylbenzene to alkylbenzene which comprises contacting the benzene and the dialkylbenzene at about 175.degree. to about 450.degree. C. with a catalyst prepared by a process which comprises impregnating a substantially dehydrated amorphorous silica gel with aluminum hydride dissolved in an anhydrous, non-hydroxyl containing organic solvent, drying the impregnated silica to remove the solvent and subsequently heating the impregnated silica at a temperature of about 300.degree. to about 900.degree. C. in a non-oxidizing atmosphere.