A surface-immobilized model compound investigation of catalytic reactions in dispersed solids

Abstract

Reactions of the silica-immobilized model compounds, ≃Ph(CH 2 ) n Ph(n = 1, 3, 4) and ≃PhCH 2 CH 2 OPh, with dispersed acid catalysts have been studied at 310-375 °C in the solid state. Reactions of these model compounds in the presence of a small particle size (15 nm) silica-1% alumina catalyst yield products typically expected for acid-catalyzed cracking of alkylaromatics involving carbocation intermediates. The reactions of these well-defined model systems, including their dependence on the physical and chemical nature of the catalyst, provide compelling evidence that solid-state contacts between substrate and the active sites on the catalyst particles are effective in controlling reaction rates and product compositions