Systems and methods are provided for an improved transalkylation process that better tolerates the presence of C.sub.10+ aromatics and may be conducted substantially in the liquid phase. The transalkylation feedstock may comprise alkyl-substituted benzenes and naphthalene and the transalkylation effluent comprises alkyl-substituted naphthalene and benzene, toluene, and/or xylenes.

Systems and methods are provided for conversion of a combined feed of oxygenates (such as methanol or dimethyl ether) and olefins to a high octane naphtha boiling range product with a reduced or minimized aromatics content. The oxygenate conversion can be performed under conditions that reduce or minimize hydrogen transfer. Optionally, a catalyst that further facilitates formation of branched paraffins can be used, such as a catalyst that has some type of 12-member ring site available on the catalyst surface.

A catalyst suitable for the conversion of aromatic hydrocarbons is described. The catalyst comprises UZM-54 zeolite; a mordenite zeolite; a binder comprising alumina, silica, or combinations, thereof; and a metal selected from one or more of: Groups VIB(6) VIIB(7), VIII(8-10) and IVA(14) of the Periodic Table. A process for transalkylation using the catalyst is also described.

A catalyst suitable for the conversion of aromatic hydrocarbons is described. The catalyst comprises UZM-54 zeolite; a mordenite zeolite; a binder comprising alumina, silica, or combinations, thereof; and a metal selected from one or more of: Groups VIB(6) VIIB(7), VIII(8-10) and IVA(14) of the Periodic Table. A process for transalkylation using the catalyst is also described.

A process for the production of methyl acetate by carbonylating dimethyl ether with carbon monoxide at a temperature of 250 to 350 C. in the presence of a zeolite catalyst and hydrogen such that the molar ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide is at least 1, and one or more compounds containing a hydroxyl functional group and in the absence of any added methyl acetate.

A process for the production of methyl acetate by carbonylating dimethyl ether with carbon monoxide at a temperature of 250 to 350 C. in the presence of a zeolite catalyst and hydrogen such that the molar ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide is at least 1, and one or more compounds containing a hydroxyl functional group and in the absence of any added methyl acetate.

Disclosed is a process for producing mixed xylenes and C.sub.9+ hydrocarbons in which an aromatic hydrocarbon feedstock comprising benzene and/or toluene is contacted with an alkylating agent comprising methanol and/or dimethyl ether under alkylation conditions in the presence of an alkylation catalyst to produce an alkylated aromatic product stream comprising the mixed xylenes and C.sub.9+ hydrocarbons. The mixed xylenes are subsequently converted to para-xylene, and the C.sub.9+ hydrocarbons and its components may be supplied as motor fuels blending components. The alkylation catalyst comprises a molecular sieve having a Constraint Index in the range from greater than zero up to about 3. The molar ratio of aromatic hydrocarbon to alkylating agent is in the range of greater than 1:1 to less than 4:1.

Disclosed is a process for producing mixed xylenes and C.sub.9+ hydrocarbons in which an aromatic hydrocarbon feedstock comprising benzene and/or toluene is contacted with an alkylating agent comprising methanol and/or dimethyl ether under alkylation conditions in the presence of an alkylation catalyst to produce an alkylated aromatic product stream comprising the mixed xylenes and C.sub.9+ hydrocarbons. The mixed xylenes are subsequently converted to para-xylene, and the C.sub.9+ hydrocarbons and its components may be supplied as motor fuels blending components. The alkylation catalyst comprises a molecular sieve having a Constraint Index in the range from greater than zero up to about 3. The molar ratio of aromatic hydrocarbon to alkylating agent is in the range of greater than 1:1 to less than 4:1.

A process for producing ethylbenzene is described in which benzene and ethylene are supplied to an alkylation reaction zone. Also added to the alkylation reaction zone is a C.sub.3+ olefin in an amount of at least 200 ppm by weight of the ethylene supplied to the alkylation reaction zone. The benzene, ethylene and C.sub.3+ olefin are contacted with an alkylation catalyst in the alkylation reaction zone to alkylate at least part of the benzene and produce an alkylation effluent comprising ethylbenzene, polyethylated benzene and at least one mono-C.sub.3+ alkyl benzene. The alkylation effluent is separated into a first product fraction comprising ethylbenzene and a second fraction comprising polyethylated benzene and the at least one mono-C.sub.3+ alkyl benzene. The second fraction is then contacted with benzene in the presence of a transalkylation catalyst to convert at least part of the polyethylated benzene to ethylbenzene and produce a transalkylation effluent.

A process for producing ethylbenzene is described in which benzene and ethylene are supplied to an alkylation reaction zone. Also added to the alkylation reaction zone is a C.sub.3+ olefin in an amount of at least 200 ppm by weight of the ethylene supplied to the alkylation reaction zone. The benzene, ethylene and C.sub.3+ olefin are contacted with an alkylation catalyst in the alkylation reaction zone to alkylate at least part of the benzene and produce an alkylation effluent comprising ethylbenzene, polyethylated benzene and at least one mono-C.sub.3+ alkyl benzene. The alkylation effluent is separated into a first product fraction comprising ethylbenzene and a second fraction comprising polyethylated benzene and the at least one mono-C.sub.3+ alkyl benzene. The second fraction is then contacted with benzene in the presence of a transalkylation catalyst to convert at least part of the polyethylated benzene to ethylbenzene and produce a transalkylation effluent.