Hydrodealkylation

 Hydrodealkylation is a cracking reaction of an aromatic side chain in presence of hydrogen. Like hydrocracking, the reaction consumes hydrogen and is favored at a higher hydrogen partial pressure. This reaction is particularly important for increasing benzene yield when methylbenzenes and ethylbenzene are dealkylated. Although the overall reaction is slightly exothermic, the cracking step is favored at higher temperatures. Hydrodealkylation may be represented by the reaction of toluene and hydrogen.

As in hydrocracking, this reaction increases the gas yield and changes the relative equilibrium distribution of the aromatics in favor of benzene. Table 1.1 shows the properties of feed and products from Chevron Rheiniforming process.

Table 1.1 : Properties of feed and products from Chevron Rheiniforming process