An improved process is disclosed for the selective disproportionation of
toluene. The process preferably uses a disproportionation catalyst
comprising MFI bound with alumina phosphate. Running the process at a
hydrogen to hydrocarbon ratio between 0.2 to 0.5 improves the yield of
para-xylene. Optional periodic rejuvenation by increasing the hydrogen to
hydrocarbon ratio removes some carbon deposits and restores catalyst
activity.