Structure and catalytic activity correlation of CoAlPO4 in the synthesis of N,N-biphenyl urea via alkylation of aniline using dimethyl carbonate

The catalytic activity of all the materials was investigated in aniline alkylation using dimethyl/ethyl carbonates (DMC/DEC) under refluxing conditions. N-methyl/ethyl aniline (NMA/NEA) and biphenyl urea (BPU) were formed as the major products with the catalysts prepared at acidic and alkaline pH, respectively. A good correlation has been observed between the catalytic activity of CoAlPO4 materials towards their selectivity for NMA/NEA and/or BPU and their textural and structural properties. Reaction conditions such as the amount of the catalyst, duration of the reaction, reusability and efficiency of the catalyst have also been evaluated. CoAlPO4 prepared under alkaline pH with 5% of cobalt has been found to be the best catalyst for BPU synthesis from aniline and DMC/DEC under refluxing conditions.