Alkylaromatics styrene

In addition to these rearrangements of more general importance, a number of isomerizations have been observed which apply only to specific cases. Some cycloolefines, like cyclooctatetraene and cycloheptatriene, are converted almost quantitatively to the alkylaromats styrene and toluene respectively 18). Of possible interest for preparative chemistry are ring-chain isomerizations which have been observed with certain nitrogen compounds 19). When pyrrole is subjected to a discharge it is largely converted to croton nitrile. 

The base-catalyzed reaction of alkylaromatics with olefins is unique in that it allows the size of the alkyl group of an arylalkane to be increased. Arylalkanes suitable for this reaction are those which contain a benzylic hydrogen. The olefins most useful for this reaction are ethylene, propylene, conjugated alkadienes, and styrene and its derivatives. Sodium and potassium are very effective catalysts. Sodium usually requires the presence of a chain precursor to initiate the reaction. 

Aerobic selective oxidation of alkylaromatics, including cumene (CU), ethylbenzene (EtB), and cyclohexylbenzene (CyB), to the corresponding hydroperoxides (CHPs) represents a key step for several large-scale productions, including the Hock process for the synthesis of phenol (see Chapter 2) [15] and the Shell styrene monomer/propylene oxide (SM/PO) process for the production of propylene oxide (PO) and styrene monomer (SM) [16]. 

The Cg alkylaromatics fraction is formed by ethylbenzene and the three xylene isomers. Ethylbenzene is used as a raw material to produce styrene by dehydrogenation, or oxidative dehydrogenation. Para-xylene and ortho-xylene are catalytically oxidized to give terephthalic and phthalic acid. The meta-xylene isomer can also be oxidized to give isophthalic acid. The major industrial source of these products is the catalytic reforming of naphthas. The Cyclar process, can also produce xylenes from propane and butane. However, using this process, xylenes are formed less selectively than toluene or benzene in the BTX. 

Synthesis of alkylaromatics. Alkylaromatics are widely used for production of styrene (ethylbenzene), phenol (isopropylbenzene), and long chain alkylated benzene for detergent intermediates. 

Carbon-Carbon Bond Formation. Various types of Bronsted and Lewis acids and superacids may be applied to perform the reaction of alkanes or arenes with different alkylating agents (alkenes, alkynes, alkyl halides, alcohols, ethers, esters). Acid-catalyzed alkylations, particularly alkane-alkene reactions, are of great practical importance in upgrading motor fuels. Acid-catalyzed alkylation produces alkylaromatics for manufacture of plastics (styrenes), detergents, and chemicals. 

Dehydrogenation of alkylaromatics or paraffins to alkenylaromatics (in particular, styrene), or olefins, on supported bismuth-vanadium oxides. 

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