Isomerization-disproportionation of m-xylene over dealuminated mordenites

The isomerization-disproportionation of m-xylene has been investigated over a series of dealuminated mordenites characterized by Si/Al ratios varying from 5 to 15. Catalytic activity increases with the Si/Al ratio and correspondingly also the products of disproportionation. This behavior is interpreted in terms of increasing acid strength leading to a higher activity and selectivity to disproportionation through a common mechanism which involves both a parallel and a consecutive route. © 1984 Akadémiai Kiadó.