Nanocrystals of Zeolite ZSM-5 as Catalysts for the Liquid Phase Benzylation of Anisole with Benzyl Alcohol

Abstract

The current paper reports the application of nanocrystalline form of zeolite ZSM-5 in lieu of Friedel Crafts catalysts in the benzylation of anisole using benzyl alcohol. There are many problems associated with the use and disposal of conventional catalysts due to their toxicity, corrosiveness and non-recyclability. Nanocrystalline zeolites can be a less polluting alternative to the conventional Friedel Crafts catalysts. Nanocrystalline ZSM-5 was synthesized by a facile method and was characterized using SEM, XRD and FTIR. The prepared nanocrystalline zeolite was then evaluated for its efficiency and selectivity in liquid phase benzylation of anisole. Optimum conditions of reaction time, temperature, quantity of catalyst and mole ratio of reactants were obtained. Kinetic studies were done to propose a mechanistic model for the catalyzed reaction. Results of this study suggest that the synthesized nanocrystals of zeolites are efficient, selective, stable, consistent and reusable catalysts. This catalyst thus holds the possibility of being a better alternative to homogeneous catalysts, from environmental and economic perspectives.

Effect of copper on textural and acidic properties of hierarchical nanocrystalline ZSM‐5

“…The HNZ zeolite displays a typical spherical‐shaped MFI crystal structure built with an assembly of tiny crystallites. The larger aggregates are found to be a collection of small zeolite particles or zeolite particles formed by intergrowth 8,35,36 . The size of zeolite aggregates of modified and unmodified ZSM‐5 samples range from 100 nm onwards.…”

Pluronic F127-assisted partial decomposition of ammonium phosphomolybdate and its application as an efficient and recyclable catalyst for the alkylation of toluene with benzyl alcohol

“…5 It is of significance to replace homogeneous catalysts with heterogeneous ones for the avoidance of these problems and easy recovery of the catalysts. Recently, considerable efforts have been made towards the development of various solid acid catalysts for alkylation reactions, such as zeolites, [6][7][8][9] mesoporous aluminum silicates, 10 oxides or sulfated oxides, 11,12 heteropoly compounds, 13,14 and other composite materials. [15][16][17] Heteropolyacids have been widely used in many reactions due to their strong Brønsted acidity and high redox activity.…”