Process for the conversion of lower alkanes to aromatic hydrocarbons

Abstract

A process for producing aromatic hydrocarbons which comprises (a) contacting one or more lower alkanes with a dehyroaromatization aromatic catalyst which is comprised of 0.005 to 0.1% wt platinum, not more than 0.2% wt of an amount of an attenuating metal wherein the amount of platinum is not more than about 0.02% wt more than the amount of the attenuating metal, from about 10 to about 99.9% wt of an aluminosilicate, and a binder, and (b) separating methane, hydrogen, and C 2-5 hydrocarbons from the reaction products of step (a) to produce aromatic reaction products including benzene.

1 . A catalyst comprising:
 (a) about 0.005 to about 0.1% wt platinum, basis the metal,   (b) an amount of an attenuating metal selected from the group consisting of tin, lead, and germanium which is not more than about 0.2% wt of the catalyst, basis the metal, and wherein the amount of platinum is not more than about 0.02% wt more than the amount of the attenuating metal,   (c) about 10 to about 99.9% wt of an aluminosilicate, and   (d) a binder.   
     
     
         2 . The catalyst of  claim 1  wherein the amount of platinum is from about 0.01 to about 0.05% wt. 
     
     
         3 . The catalyst of  claim 1  wherein the catalyst comprises not more than about 0.15% wt of the attenuating metal. 
     
     
         4 . The catalyst of  claim 1  wherein the amount of the aluminosilicate is from about 30 to about 99.9% wt. 
     
     
         5 . The catalyst of  claim 1  wherein the aluminosilicate has a silicon dioxide:aluminum trioxide molar ratio of from about 20 to about 80. 
     
     
         6 . The catalyst of  claim 1  wherein the aluminosilicate is a zeolite.