Abstract:
A 2-PHENYLALKANE STREAM CONTAINING ISOMERIZATION INHIBITOR IMPURITIES IS CONTACTED WITH GASEOUS HC1 UNTIL THE 2-PHENYLALKANE STREAM IS SATURATED WITH THE GASEOUS HC1. THE HC1 SATURATED 2-PHENYLALKANE STREAM IS THEN HEATED IN THE PRESENCE OF AN ALUMINUM CHLORIDE CATALYST FOR A SUFFICIENT PERIOD OF TIME UNTIL A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF THE 2-PHENYLALKANE HAS BEEN ISOMERIZED BY OTHER ISOMERS.