H3PW12O40 Supported on AlMCM-41 molecular sieves: An effectual catalyst for t-butylation of anisole

Mesoporous AlMCM-41 (Si/Al = 25) molecular sieves was synthesized and impregnated with different loadings (10, 20 and 30 wt% H3PW12O40) of phosphotungstic acid. Their catalytic performance was examined in the vapour phase alkylation of anisole with tert-butanol. The major products were found to be 2-tert-butyl anisole (2-TBA), 4-tert-butyl anisole (4-TBA), 2,4-di-tert-butyl anisole (2,4-DTBA). 4-TBA was the major product formed with high selectivity. The influence of temperature, feed ratio, WHSV was studied and the results are discussed.