Toluene disproportionation employing modified omega zeolite catalyst

In a transalkylation process for the disproportionation of a toluene containing feedstock over a steam modified and metal-promoted omega zeolite catalyst to produce benzene and xylene(s), the steps comprising:

• (a) passing a cofeed of hydrogen gas and substantially pure toluene into a reaction zone and contacting it with a steam-modified and nickel-loaded omega zeolite catalyst, the catalyst having a silica to alumina molar ratio in the range of about 25:1 to 150:1, the feedstock being supplied to the reaction zone at a rate sufficient to provide a toluene LHSV of about 2;
• (b) conducting the disporportionation reaction within the reaction zone at a temperature within the range of about 250.degree.-480.degree. C. and at a pressure of at least 600 psig;
• and
• (c) withdrawing the disproportionation product containing benzene and xylene(s) from the reaction zone.