Process of converting ethylbenzene to styrene by catalytic dehydrogenation

US4287375A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Metallgesellschaft AG · DE

Inventors

• Friedrich-Wilhelm Moller
• Henning Buchold · Hanau, DE
• Helmut Klein · Osterode, DE
• Otto-Ludwig Garkisch · Bad Soden, DE
• Friedrich Gutlhuber · Metten, DE
• Walter Laber · Deggendorf, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 11, 1980
• Grant date: Sep 1, 1981
• Expiry date: Mar 11, 2000

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C07C5/333
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The invention relates to a process of converting ethylbenzene to styrene by catalytic dehydrogenation at temperatures of about 600.degree. C. in the presence of water vapor in a tubular reactor. The heat required for the dehydrogenation is fed to the tubular reactor with a molten salt bath. The dehydrogenation is effected isothermally and in a single stage under atmospheric pressure or preferable under a subatmospheric pressure with a water vapor-ethylbenzene ratio of 1.2 to 1.5 kg of water vapor per kg of ethylbenzene. The temperature of the ethylbenzene-water-vapor mixture entering the tubular reactor is maintained 50.degree. to 100.degree. C. below the temperature of the molten salt bath.