Oxidative coupling of toluene to stilbene

Numerous catalysts containing 10-30Vertical Bar3< lead oxide (PbO) on low-surface area alumina, silica-alumina, and silica supports and some supported bismuth oxide catalysts were screened for the selective oxidative dehydrodimerization of toluene to stilbene in a fluidized bed reactor. The catalysts tested all involved trade-offs between activity, selectivity, and catalyst life. Attrition resistance was improved by using a carborundum support which reacted with the preferred lead oxide catalyst. Possible reactor designs for scale-up were evaluated.