LiOH-modified montmorillonite K-10 as catalyst for selective glycerol etherification to diglycerol

Acid treated montmorillonite K-10 (MK-10) was intercalated with LiOH (Li/MK-10) to catalyze selective production of diglycerol via solvent free glycerol etherification reaction. The structure, surface properties and basic strength of parent and modified clay were successfully characterized using XRD, SEM, ICP, BET surface analyzer and Hammett indicators to elucidate their physical and chemical properties. The glycerol etherification reaction was conducted at 240 °C with 2 wt.% lithium intercalated catalyst under inert atmosphere. High diglycerol selectivity of about 53% was obtained in 12 h with this catalyst at a glycerol conversion of about 98%.

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► LiOH intercalation into acid-treated montmorillonite K-10.
► Selective production of diglycerol via solvent free glycerol etherification.
► Elucidation of surface properties and basic strength.
► High diglycerol selectivity at high glycerol conversion.
► Combined effects of necessary porosity and basicity.