Starbon® acids in alkylation and acetylation reactions: Effect of the Brönsted-Lewis acidity

Various Starbon® supported solid acids were prepared and investigated in two test reactions, namely the acetylation of 5-acetyl-methylsalicylate and the alkylation of phenol with cyclohexene. Starbon®-SO3H materials exhibited in general an optimum balance of Lewis and Bronsted acid sites, making them ideal catalysts for the investigated processes. Starbon acids were comparably active and differently selective compared to similar solid acids utilised in the proposed acid catalysed processes including commercial sulphated zirconia and beta zeolite. Materials were also highly reusable under the different reaction conditions, preserving their activities almost unchanged after 4 reuses.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch Highlights
► Characterisation of the acidity of Starbon and commercial solid acids.
► Their activity in Friedel–Crafts acylations and alkylations reactions.
► Insights into the acidity/activity effect of the materials.