Ethyl benzene [100-41-4], also known as phenyl ethane and ethylbenzol, C6H5 CH2 CH3, M, 106.168, is a single ring, alkyl aromatic compound. It is almost exclusively (> 90%) used as an intermediate for the manufacture of styrenemonomer [100-42-5], C6H5CH=CH2, one of the most important large-volume chemicals. Styrene production, which uses ethyl benzene as a starting raw material, consumes ca. 50% of the world’s benzene production. Less than 1% of the ethyl benzene produced is used as paint solvent or as an intermediate for the production of diethyl benzene and acetophenone. Currently, almost all ethyl benzene is produced commercially by alkylating benzene with ethylene, primarily via two routes: in the liquid phase with aluminum chloride catalyst, or in the vapor phase with a fixed bed of either a Lewis acid or a synthetic Zeolite catalyst developed by Mobil Corporation.

Introduction

Properties&uses

Methods of Production

Material Balance

Energy Balance

Design of Equipments

Pollution control&Safety

Cost Estimation&Economics

Plant Location&Layout

Bibliography