PURPOSE: To obtain xylenes having a high proportion of o-xylene in a high conversion, by methylating toluene in the vapor phase in the presence of a catalyst containing a crystalline aluminosilicate zeolite having a specific composition and X-ray spacings and a long catalytic life.
CONSTITUTION: Toluene is methylated in the vapor phase with a methylating agent, e.g. methanol or dimethyl ether, to prepare xylenes. In the process, a crystalline aluminosilicate zeolite having the composition of the formula{M is n-valent cation[e.g. H ion, alkali (earth) metal ion, etc.]; X is ≥10, preferably 10W1,000}and X-ray spacings expressed substantially by values shown in the table. The reaction temperature is 200W650°C, and the reaction pressure is ordinary pressureW100kg/cm2G.
SAKAI ATSUJI
YAMAZAKI YASUO
ONODERA TAMIO
