Influence of Pore-Volume Topology of Zeolite ITQ-7 in Alkylation and Isomerization of Aromatic Compounds

The void structure of zeolite ITQ-7 (ISV structure) is discussed on the basis of catalytic reaction tests. The isomerization and disproportionation of meta-xylene, and the alkylation of benzene or toluene with either ethanol or isopropanol, on the acidic zeolite have been used as model reactions. The dimensions of its three-dimensional system of channels, with pores between 6.1 and 6.3 Å and with lower tortuosity than those of beta zeolite, favor higher ratios of isomerization to disproportionation of meta-xylene, and of mono- to dialkylated products and iso- to n-propylbenzene during alkylation of benzene. These effects are enhanced with a partially coked ITQ-7.