Polypyrrole based strong acid catalyst for acetalization

Novel polypyrrole based acid catalyst has been synthesized through the neutralization reaction of polypyrrole and sulfuric acid. The polypyrrole based acid owned the acidity as high as 6.0 mmol/g, which was much higher than that of the traditional solid acids such as Nafion and Amberlyst-15 (0.8 mmol/g). The catalytic activities of the novel solid acid were investigated through the acetalization. The results showed that the novel solid acid held high activities for the reactions. Furthermore, the recycled activities of the catalyst indicated that the solid acid owned high stability during the catalytic process and little acid sites dropped from polypyrrole. The high acidity and stability made the novel polypyrrole based acid hold great potential for the green chemical processes.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Novel Polypyrrole based strong acid catalyst has been synthesized. ► The solid acid owned the acidity as high as 6.0 mmol/g ► The novel solid acid held high activities for the reactions.