Effect of alkaline earth metals on catalytic performance of HY zeolite for alkylation of α-methylnaphthalene with long-chain olefins

Friedel–Crafts alkylations of α-methylnaphthalene with long chain alkenes (C11–12) in liquid–solid phase over alkaline earth metal oxides like MgO, CaO, SrO and BaO modified HY zeolite catalysts have been investigated. Effect of BaO impregnated amount on the reaction was investigated. Results show that 1%BaO modified HY zeolite (1%BaO–HY) exhibits outstanding catalytic performances, and the stability of catalyst may be improved when modified by optimal alkaline earth metal oxide. Moreover, effects of reaction conditions like reaction temperature, volume hour space velocity (VHSV) and time on stream (TOS) on the 1%BaO–HY promoted alkylation were also studied. It is found that Brönsted acid centre is the main catalytic active centre, and Lewis acidic sites have an obvious promotion effect on reaction performance for the alkylation reaction.