Selective Synthesis of Bisphenol F from Phenol and PODE2 over an Acidic Resin–Carbon Composite Material

Abstract

Bisphenol F (BPF) is an important monomer and was usually prepared from phenol (Ph) and formaldehyde (FA) catalyzed by an acid. In this study, an acid resin–carbon composite (PP-170) was prepared for the synthesis of BPF from Ph and FA liberated through the decomposition of a polyoxymethylene dimethyl ether (PODE2). Characterization results showed that −SO3H and Ar–OH groups were successfully introduced into PP-170, and were mostly distributed in the inner pores. As compared with H3PO4 and H2SO4, the PP-170 had the higher turnover frequencies for the synthesis of BPF, as well as the higher selectivity to BPF (especially the 4,4-BPF). Thus, PP-170 seemed a good solid acid catalyst for the synthesis of BPF from Ph and PODE2. In addition, the catalyst could be easily regenerated by the simple calcination and then reused at least twice with almost the same activity.