Dealumination of mordenites with acetic acid and their catalytic activity in the alkylation of cumene

A mordenite (MOR) zeolite (Si/Al = 5) was treated with acetic acid to reduce acid site concentration without a significant change in its pore structure. The acid-treated MOR zeolites employed in the alkylation of cumene with 2-propanol showed longer catalyst life with retaining similar level of para-selectivity. The slight enlargement of micropores of MOR zeolite due to the acid treatment did not lower the para-selectivity, while the reduction of acid site concentration improved the stability of MOR zeolite by suppressing carbon deposit. The catalytic performance of the acid-treated MOR zeolites was discussed relating to their pore size distributions and acidities.