Synergistic role of Lewis and Brönsted acidities in Friedel–Crafts alkylation of resorcinol over gallium-zeolite beta

The role of Lewis and Brönsted acidities in alkylation of resorcinol is demonstrated through the gallium-zeolite beta by varying the amount of Lewis and Brönsted acid sites. The synergism of Lewis and Brönsted acid sites takes place heterogeneously in Friedel–Crafts alkylation of resorcinol with methyl tert-butyl ether to produce 4-tert-butyl resorcinol and 4,6-di-tert-butyl resorcinol as the major and minor products, respectively.

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► The impregnation of gallium on zeolite beta generates Lewis acidity.
► The gallium-zeolite beta possesses Lewis and Brönsted acid sites.
► Alkylation of resorcinol over the gallium-zeolite beta requires Brönsted and Lewis acids.