MgO/NaX zeolite as basic catalyst for oxidative methylation of toluene with methane Original Research Article

Oxidative methylation of toluene with methane was studied over a series of MgO/NaX zeolite catalysts. The effect of MgO on the zeolite was examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) of CO2. The results indicated that the conversion, selectivity and yield of C8 hydrocarbons (ethylbenzene and styrene) are significantly improved by impregnation of maximum 13 wt.% MgO into the zeolite. The latter catalyst also displays a good stability. It is found that the amount of active sites but not their strength depends on the content of MgO in the zeolite. The catalysts possess well preserved crystal structure and low amount of MgO crystal phase.