Reaction Coupling of Ethylbenzene Dehydrogenation with Nitrobenzene Hydrogenation

The chemical equilibrium for the coupling of ethylbenzene dehydrogenation with nitrobenzene hydrogenation, to produce styrene and aniline simultaneously, has been calculated on the basis of the Soave–Redlich–Kwong equation of state. The dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene in the presence of nitrobenzene over the catalysts -Al₂O₃, ZSM-5, activated carbon and platinum supported on activated carbon has been carried out at 400 °C. The effects of Pt loading and the pretreatment of the catalysts have been investigated. It has been revealed that the conversion of ethylbenzene can be greatly improved by the reaction coupling due to the elimination of the hydrogen produced in the reaction by the hydrogenation of nitrobenzene. Platinum supported on the activated carbon has been suggested as a suitable catalyst. The best results with ethylbenzene conversion of 33.8% and styrene selectivity of 99.2% were obtained over Pt(0.02 wt%)/AC at 400 °C. Moreover, such process is also energetically favored since the necessary process heat to drive the ethylbenzene dehydrogenation can be provided by the coupling with the exothermic nitrobenzene hydrogenation reaction.