ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the chemistry and processes based on Mobil synthetic zeolite catalysts for the production of monomers. The formation of Mobil Chemical Company in 1960, as a subsidiary, focused work and attention on the expansion of chemicals production and applications. Mobil ZSM-5 catalyst is tailor-made to be used in four distinctive process schemes to accommodate available raw material and recycle streams, existing process equipment, cost, and hydrogen availability. The versatility of para-selective catalysts is further demonstrated by a selective hydrogenation reaction to produce m-methylstyrene (MMS). When ZSM-5 catalyst was impregnated with soluble platinum reagents to deposit the metal within the zeolite pores and the acidity was neutralized by exchange with alkali cations, i.e., sodium, a selective reduction catalyst was formed. Reactions to give other monomers or precursors which illustrate the unique properties which shape-selective zeolite catalysts offer are also shown.
