Split-feed two-stage parallel aromatization for maximum para-xylene yield

A process for reforming a full boiling hydrocarbon feed to enhance para-xylene and benzene yields comprising:

• (a) separating the hydrocarbon feed into a C.sub.5- cut, a C.sub.6 -C.sub.7 cut, and a C.sub.8+ cut, wherein the C.sub.6 -C.sub.7 cut has less than 5 lv. % of C.sub.8+ hydrocarbon, and wherein the C.sub.8+ cut has less than 10 lv. % of C.sub.7- hydrocarbon;
• (b) subjecting the C.sub.6 -C.sub.7 cut to catalytic aromatization at elevated temperatures in a first reformer in the presence of hydrogen and using a non-acidic catalyst comprising at least one Group VIII metal and non-acidic zeolite support to produce a first reformate stream containing less than 5 lv % C.sub.8 aromatics including xylenes;
• and
• (c) subjecting the C.sub.8+ cut to catalytic aromatization at elevated temperatures in a second reformer in the presence of hydrogen and using an acidic catalyst comprising at least one Group VIII metal and a metallic oxide support to produce a second reformate stream containing C.sub.8 aromatics including xylenes;
• wherein less than 20 wt. % of the total amount of C.sub.8 aromatics produced in the first and second reformer is ethylbenzene, and wherein more than 20 wt. % of the total amount of xylenes produced in the first and second reformer are para-xylenes.