Cumene disproportionation over zeolite β

Abstract

Cumene disproportionation has been demonstrated as an accurate probe reaction for zeolite structures. Over twelve-membered ring zeolites, cumene undergoes a bimolecular mechanism; but over ten-membered ring zeolites, it undergoes a monomolecular mechanism. Zeolite β, a highly siliceous twelve-membered ring zeolite, shows excellent activity, disproportionation selectivity and stability in cumene disproportionation and therefore has practical potential in the production of diisopropylbenzenes.