Characterization and activity of novel tin incorporated ordered cubic mesoporous silicate, Sn-KIT-6

• Incorporation of Sn4+ into Ia3d cubic structured mesoporous silicate in one pot.
• Isolated framework substitute Sn4+ speices at low Sn loading.
• SnOx particles either uniformly distributed or agglomerated at higher loading.
• Framework Sn4+ sites imparts acidity and active in Prins condensation.

Tin incorporated ordered mesoporous silicate having Ia3d cubic structure, Sn-KIT-6, was prepared using nonionic Pluronic P123 triblock copolymer as a structure directing agent and n-butanol as co-solvent. Characterization techniques including SAXS, HR-TEM, N2 sorption verified the structural ordering and morphology of Sn-KIT-6 samples. At low Sn loading (<3 wt% Sn), mainly framework substituted isolated Sn4+ species were obtained. As the loading increased, SnOx particles are found either uniformly distributed or agglomerated on the surface of Sn-KIT-6. The BET surface, pore volume and pore diameter of Sn-KIT-6 samples are respectively observed in the range of 1153–1045 m2/g, 1.59–0.93 cm3/g and 9.1–9.3 nm. Sn-KIT-6 samples revealed excellent catalytic activity in the synthesis of nopol via the Prins condensation of β-pinene and paraformaldehyde.

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