Toluene Methylation Catalysts for Paraxylene Production
TransMax™ 100 Series
Edition Date :
February 06, 2026
Toluene methylation is an effective and economical solution for maximizing paraxylene (PX) yields by adding a methyl group to the aromatics ring from low-cost methanol. Clariant’s TransMax™ 100 catalyst series allows cost-effective production of PX, without forming benzene as a by-product. By adding methyl groups to the aromatic ring, toluene methylation eliminates the methyl group shortage to yield more xylene over benzene.
TransMax 100 catalysts also minimize side reactions typically occurring in toluene methylation, in particular the formation of light hydrocarbons, which is the primary cause for coking. Heavier aromatics are also formed after separation, and are a valuable feedstock for conversion to more xylenes in the transalkylation unit, as the C9+ fraction contains a major portion of trimethylbenzene (TMB).
Product Information
Benefits
- Eliminates the relative shortage of xylenes from traditional feed sources
- Potential for zero benzene by-product
- Designed for simple fixed-bed, low pressure processes, such as GT-TolAlkSM
- No hydrogen needed
- Favorable economics from high methanol utilization and aromatics yields
- Very low ethylbenzene in C8 aromatics and higher PX in xylenes product, compared to reformate, raise the efficiency of PX separation
- Drop-in addition to existing BTX plant or PX complex
| Product composition | Proprietary promoter; Zeolite (FAU-type, MOR-type) |
| Size | 1.5 mm |
| Shape | Extrusions |
