An improved catalytic composite and process are disclosed for the selective
disproportionation of toluene. The process uses a layered composite
comprising a catalytically active core which comprises a zeolitic
aluminosilicate having a SiO.sub.2 :Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 ratio of 8 to 50 and
a relatively inactive protective mantle which preferably comprises
boralite. Optionally, the composite is selectively precoked prior to
toluene disproportionation. The composite and process provide improved
selectivity for the production of paraxylene.
