tert-Butylation of diphenylamine over zeolite catalysts comparison of different alkylation agents and catalysts

tert-Butylation of diphenylamine (DPA) with different tert-butylation agents isobutylene (IB), tert-butanol (TBA), and C4-fraction (C4-IB) in the liquid phase was studied over zeolite catalyst H-BEA (H-BEA CP 814E). This zeolite and acidic clay catalysts Nobelin and Fulcat 22B were compared in tert-butylation of diphenylamine with isobutylene and tert-butanol.The study of the influence of tert-butylation agents in alkylation of DPA over H-BEA showed that isobutylene is the most suitable in tert-butylation of diphenylamine over the particular H-BEA zeolite catalyst in terms of conversion and selectivity to desired products.Comparative study of catalyst type influence on tert-butylation of DPA with TBA and IB employed zeolite catalyst H-BEA and two clay ones Nobelin and Fulcat 22B. The study showed that all catalysts perform well in alkylation of DPA but H-BEA with the highest total acidity is the most active.tert-Butylation of diphenylamine over H-BEA zeolite catalyst and acidic clays appears to be an environmental alternative to other catalysts (e.g. Friedel-Crafts) in industrial preparation of tert-butylated diphenylamines.

► TBA and IB are suitable agents in tert-butylation of diphenylamine over H-BEA.
► H-BEA is comparable to acid clay catalysts in DPA tert-butylation.
► H-BEA can be alternative in industrial preparation of tert-butylated diphenylamines.