Styrene from Toluene

On the basis of newly published information, SRI has reevaluated a two-step process for the manufacture of styrene from toluene and ethylene, with stilbene as an intermediate. This process has the additional theoretical advantage of requiring only half the ethylene used in the conventional process.

We considered two process variations, which differ in the toluene-to-stilbene step. In one variation this step is performed catalytically. In the other it is performed stoichiometrically, i.e., through the use of a metal oxide, which is then reoxidized. Both versions appear to be competitive with the conventional benzene process.