Shape-selective alkylation of biphenyl with propylene using zeolite and amorphous silica–alumina catalysts

The influence of zeolite structure for the alkylation of biphenyl with propylene was studied over various zeolites such as HY, HZSM-5, and dealuminated mordenite (DMOR), as well as amorphous SiO2/Al2O3, in a stirred tank reactor. Biphenyl conversion was found to increase with reaction time for HZSM-5 and DMOR zeolites and reach a leveling off in 4 h, whereas for HY and amorphous SiO2/Al2O3 a leveling off was reached within an hour. DMOR displayed the highest selectivity for 4,4′-diisopropylbiphenyl (4,4′-DIPB) even at temperatures as high as 300 °C, whereas for HY, HZSM-5 and amorphous SiO2/Al2O3 selectivities fell in the range of 10–35%; they were significantly lower than observed for DMOR. These differences in selectivity might be due to the structure and pore channels of the zeolites. DMOR was found to be an active catalyst, the selectivity for 4-isopropylbiphenyl (4-IPB) and (4,4′-DIPB) was high among isopropylbiphenyl (IPB) and diisopropylbiphenyl (DIPB) isomers, respectively, indicating DMOR possesses shape-selectivity. The selectivity of 4,4′-DIPB increased with time, while the corresponding selectivity of 4-IPB decreased for DMOR catalyst. Alkylation of biphenyl with propylene occurred with predominant formation of 4-IPB in the first step. 4-IPB is only a source in the second step of alkylation of biphenyl with propylene for the formation of 4,4′-DIPB, while 3-IPB does not participate in the formation of DIPB isomers.

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► Shape-selective alkylation of biphenyl with propylene was achieved over HMOR.
► Zeolite shape selectivity was governed by geometry of channels and pore entrances.
► Biphenyl alkylation proceeds through 4-IPB in a consecutive mechanism.
► 4-IPB is only a source in step 2 for further alkylation to form 4,4′-DIPB.