Shape selective conversion of 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene over different zeolite frameworks

Abstract The upgrading of Pseudocumene (1,2,4-TMB) to more valuable methylbenzenes over acidic zeolites with variable acidic and diffusive properties is studied, using reactivity tests and IR spectroscopy. The concurrent reactions investigated include isomerization and transalkylation. At low conversion levels the isomer distribution in C 8 , C 9 and C 10 products is not thermodynamically controlled, being different over different zeolite frameworks, indicating shape selectivity. Variable temperature experiments allow to identify the location of active sites for the different reactions on different catalysts, and the nature of shape selectivity.