AlCl x-grafted Si-MCM-41 prepared by reacting anhydrous AlCl 3 with terminal Si–OH groups: an active solid catalyst for benzylation and acylation reactions

Abstract

A liquid phase reaction between anhydrous AlCl 3 and terminal Si–OH groups of mesoporous Si-MCM-41 in dry CCl 4 results in a AlCl x -grafted Si-MCM-41 (with Cl/Al ratio=1.43, Al (tetrahedral)/Al (octahedral)=ratio=0.84 and Al/Si ratio=0.17). This catalyst shows high catalytic activity in Friedel–Crafts type benzylation (by benzyl chloride) and acylation (by benzoyl chloride) of benzene and toluene.