Technology Type

Ethylbenzene is produced on a large scale by combining Benzene and Ethylene in an Acid-catalyzed Chemical Reaction: C₆H₆ + C₂H₄ ? C₆H₅CH₂CH₃. In 2012, more than 99% of Ethylbenzene was produced in this way. Thus, manufacturers of Ethylbenzene are the major buyers of Benzene, claiming more than half of total output. In the 1980s a Zeolite-based Process using Vapor Phase Alkylation offered a higher purity and yield. Then a Liquid Phase Process was introduced using Zeolite Catalysts. This offers low Benzene-to-Ethylene ratios, reducing the size of the required Equipment and lowering Byproduct Production.