Abstract
Covalently linked sulfonic acid (–SO3H)-modified ordered mesoporous silicas MCM-48, MCM-41, and SBA-15 were synthesized, characterized and their catalytic activities were evaluated in the transesterification reaction of triacetin with methanol. Acid modified materials were prepared by oxidative transformation of immobilized functionalized unit, 3-mercaptopropyltriethoxysilane (MPTES) as a precursor. The mesophase and porosity of the catalysts were determined by means of X-ray diffraction and N2 adsorption techniques. No degradation of structure was observed in the preparation process. The acid concentrations were calculated using TG–DTA and NH3–TPD analysis. The acid modified materials were found to be active catalysts for the transesterification of triacetin with methanol. Especially, three-dimensional-MCM-48-SO3H showed better catalytic activity compared to its two-dimensional counterparts MCM-41 and SBA-15.
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