Abstract

Abstract The mechanism of n -propyltoluene formation in toluene alkylation with propanols has been investigated over molecular sieves of H-ZSM-5, H-Y, and H-mordenite structures. It has been shown that isopropyltoluenes are formed in the first alkylation step followed by a bimolecular reaction with toluene molecules leading to n -propyltoluenes. This mechanism is evidenced by the reaction of p -isopropyltoluene with benzene and isopropylbenzene with toluene leading to n -propylbenzene and n -propyltoluene, respectively. The bimolecular isomerization reaction takes place only in the three-dimensional channel system of H-ZSM-5 and H-Y, enabling the transition complex formation, which is enhanced by the channel geometry of H-ZSM-5. Therefore, structure-directed transition state selectivity, controlled by the molecular sieve structure, operates in this isomerization reaction.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.