Synthesis of cresols and xylenols from benzene and methanol

The objective of the work is to compare two processes for manufacturing cresols and xylenols: (1) a conventional catalytic process, and (2) a photo-thermal catalytic process, in order to determine the relative process economics. The products are used primarily as chemical intermediates for manufacture of antioxidants, pesticides, polymerization inhibitors, resins, and other products. The market is approximately 500 million pounds per year. This report is the second of two reports, presenting results of a process evaluation for manufacturing the products by a photo-thermal catalytic process.