Acylation of alcohols over solid acid catalysts

Abstract

Acylation of l -methoxy-2-propanol and <i>t</i>-butyl alcohol has been investigated over MCM-41, Al-MCM-41 (40), HPA-MCM-41 and HPA-Al-MCM-41 (400) [H₃PW₁₂O₄₀: 12H₂O supported MCM-41 and Al-MCM-41 (400)] in the liquid phase, at appropriate temperatures. Though HPA-MCM-41 and HPA-Al-MCM-41 (400) showed high alcohol conversion, leaching of HPA from the catalyst surface is the major problem. Though the attainment of equilibrium conversion is little delayed over Al-MCM-41 (40) compared to HPA-MCM-41 it could still be a better catalyst, as it gives high conversion as HPA-MCM-41. The reaction has been found to occur largely within the channels of the molecular sieves compared to the surface. The reaction has also been studied over Hβ zeolite (Si/Al=3.14) for comparison and the results are discussed.