A highly active anatase TiO2 catalyst for alkylation of phenol with methanol

TiO2 anatase sample was synthesized by sol–gel method and was evaluated as a catalyst for vapour phase methylation of phenol. It was found to be highly active and gave over 97% conversion under certain experimental conditions. The catalyst gave mainly 2,6-xylenol and higher alkyl substituted products, which were identified by GC–MS. The activity selectivity profiles are discussed in terms of the acidic and basic properties of the catalyst and the BET surface areas.