MCM-41 supported phosphotungstic acid for the hydroxyalkylation of phenol to phenolphthalein

TitleMCM-41 supported phosphotungstic acid for the hydroxyalkylation of phenol to phenolphthalein
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2012
AuthorsJha, A, Garade, AC, Mirajkar, SP, Rode, CV
JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research
Volume51
Issue10
Pagination3916-3922
Date PublishedMAR
ISSN0888-5885
Abstract

A novel application of phosphotungstic acid, H3PW12O40 (PWA) supported on MCM-41 molecular sieve as a solid acid catalyst has been demonstrated for the synthesis of phenolphthalein by hydroxyalkylation of phenol and phthalic anhydride. PWA/MCM-41 (20%) showed the highest activity as compared to that of parent PWA and MCM-41 individually, due to the excellent dispersion of PWA on MCM-41 leading to the redistribution of Bronsted and Lewis acid sites on MCM-41. The effect of PWA loading on phthalic anhydride conversion and phenolphthalein selectivity was also studied. All these prepared catalysts were characterized by XRD, N-2 adsorption-desorption isotherm, pyridine-FTIR, and NH3-TPD. The effect of various reaction parameters, namely, mole ratios, catalyst concentration, temperature, reaction time, and percentage of PWA present in the catalysts on conversion and selectivity of products has been also investigated. The utility of 20% PWA/MCM-41 catalyst was established by its efficient activity for hydroxyalkylation of phenol and p-cresol with formaldehyde to the corresponding dihydroxydiarylmethane products.

DOI10.1021/ie201989g
Type of Journal (Indian or Foreign)

Foreign

Impact Factor (IF)2.206
Divison category: 
Catalysis and Inorganic Chemistry
Chemical Engineering & Process Development