Synthesis, characterization of Al-rich ZSM-12 zeolite and their catalytic performance in liquid-phase tert-butylation of phenol

•Al-rich ZSM-12 was synthesized with TEBOP2 +(I−)2 as template.•Al-rich ZSM-12 zeolites with Si/Al ratios of 8–23 were obtained.•Al-rich HZSM-12 had high acid amount and uniform particles.•Al-rich HZSM-12 showed high para selectivity in tert-butylation of phenol.

Al-rich ZSM-12 zeolites were synthesized using N,N,N′,N′-tetraethylbicyclo[2.2.2]oct-7-ene-2,3:5,6-dipyrrolidinium diiodide as template under hydrothermal conditions. Their physico-chemical properties were characterized using XRD, ICP-AES, SEM, N2 adsorption, 27Al MAS NMR and NH3-TPD. The results indicated that Al-rich ZSM-12 zeolites with low Si/Al ratios of 8–23 were successfully crystallized. Catalytic properties of the prepared zeolites were studied in the tert-butylation of phenol. Higher para selectivity was obtained on the Al-rich ZSM-12 zeolites compared with other types of zeolites.

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