Zeolite catalysis in the selective oligomerization of styrene

Abstract

Hydrogen zeolite-Y affords the linear dimer 1,3-diphenyl-1-butene from styrene with high selectivity (80%) in the liquid phase (CH 2Cl 2) under mild, ambient temperatures. The linear dimer is quantitatively converted to the cyclic dimer 1-methyl-3-phenylindan by prolonged exposure to iron(III)-exchanged zeolite-Y under the same conditions. The variable amounts of styrene trimers can be controlled in the course of zeolite activation; and the complete suppression of tetramers and higher oligomers can be related to the zeolite crystallinity. The selectivities in styrene oligomerization are compared with those obtained with more conventional soluble and solid acid catalysts.