Synthesis of linear alkyl benzenes over zirconia-supported 12-molybdophosphoric acid catalysts

The paper deals with the preparation and characterization of zirconia supported 12-molybdohosphoric acid catalysts and its application in liquid-phase linear alkyl benzene synthesis by the reaction of benzene with 1-octene and 1-dodecene. The most active catalyst, 15% MPA/ZrO2 calcined at 700 °C gave >90% olefin conversions with selectivity to 2-phenyl octane, 55% and 2-phenyl dodecane, 45%.