Synthesis of propylene glycol methyl ether from methanol and propylene oxide over alumina-pillared clays

Al-pillared interlayered clays (Al-PILCs) have been synthesized by the exchange reaction between Na-clay and Al-hydroxypolycation solutions aged for 0.5–14 days and characterized by DRS-UV–vis, XRD, FT-IR and N2-adsorption/desorption analyses, Hammett acidity titration with n-butylamine and FT-IR spectroscopy using PhCN and CDCl3 as probe molecules. It was found that the aging time of Al-hydroxypolycation pillaring solution affects both the textural characteristics and the physicochemical properties of Al-PILCs. Al-PILCs have been tested as catalysts for synthesis of propylene glycol methyl ether from methanol and propylene oxide. Increase in Al content due to the prolonged aging time favors the increase in the activity of Al-PILCs.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights▶ The aging time of the Al-intercalating solution controls the Al-PILCs properties. ▶ Al-PILCs are very active in synthesis of propylene glycol methyl ether from methanol and propylene oxide. ▶ The aging time of the intercalating solution affects the reaction rate and selectivity for propylene glycol methyl ether.