Alkylation of phenols and acylation 2-methoxynaphthalene over SSZ-33, SSZ-35 and SSZ-42 zeolites

Abstract

Zeolites with different framework topology (SSZ-33, SSZ-35 and SSZ-42) were investigated in alkylation of phenol, m-cresol and p-cresol, and acylation of 2-methoxynaphthalene. Their catalytic behavior was compared with commercial zeolites BEA, USY, MOR and ZSM-5. Borosilicates SSZ-33 and SSZ-42 were isomorphously substituted into aluminum form by low temperature hydrothermal treatment. The phenol conversions decreased in the order: BEA 91.9% ∼ SSZ-33 90.5% > MOR 58.0% > SSZ-35 38.0% > SSZ-42 22.6%. The selectivity to C-alkylated product 2-cyclohexylphenol prevailed over selectivity to 4-cyclohexylphenol and phenyl cyclohexyl ether almost for all tested catalysts. The selectivities to 2-cylcohexylphenol were as follows: SSZ-35 85% > BEA 67% > SSZ-33 42% > SSZ-42 35% (at conversion of cyclohexene = 20%). Zeolite SSZ-33 was quite effective catalyst in acylation of 2-methoxynaphthalene. The conversions of 2-methoxynaphthalene achieved over SSZ-33 zeolite were similar to that obtained over zeolite BEA. The selectivities to 2-acetyl-6-methoxynaphthalene achieved over zeolites BEA and SSZ-33 were in the range 48–63 % for both tested acylating agents.