Reactions of ethylbenzene in the presence of toluene over external surface passivated MFI zeolite

The reactions of ethylbenzene in the presence of toluene were studied over external surface passivated MFI zeolite. With increase in extent of external surface passivation the para selectivity of both transalkylation and disproportionation reactions enhanced. The effects of mole ratio of ethylbenzene to toluene, reaction temperature and WHSV on the performance of the modified zeolite are discussed. It was observed that the high para selectivity feature of the modified zeolite is not influenced by changes in reaction conditions.