Shape-selective para-chlorination of phenol using sulfuryl chloride with the aid of microporous catalysts

Abstract

Aluminum-pillared montmorillonite clay, and partially cation-exchanged L type zeolites, efficiently catalyze the selective para-chlorination of phenol using SO 2Cl 2 in 2,2,4-trimethylpentane at 25 °C. A conversion of ∼96%, a para-selectivity of ∼89%, and a para/ ortho ratio of 8.0, were achieved with H +, Al 3+, Na +, and K +-L zeolite. This heterogeneous zeolite-catalyzed process is the first example, which shows a pronounced shape-selectivity in the chlorination of phenol.