The hydroxyalkylation of phenol with formaldehyde over mesoporous M(Al, Zr, Al–Zr)-SBA-15 catalysts: The effect on the isomer distribution of bisphenol F

•Mesoporous M(Al, Zr, Al–Zr)-SBA-15 catalysts were used for the synthesis of bisphenol F.•M(20)-SBA-15 with the Si/M molar ratio of 20 exhibited higher catalytic activity.•Al(20)-SBA-15 was in favor of the formation of 4,4′-isomer.•Zr(20)-SBA-15 was beneficial to the formation of 2,4′- and 2,2′-isomers.•The isomer distribution of bisphenol F can be effected by the Al/Zr ratio in M-SBA-15.

Mesoporous M(Al, Zr, Al–Zr)-SBA-15 catalysts prepared by a direct method were used for the hydroxyalkylation of phenol with formaldehyde to bisphenol F in the presence of water. The results showed that M(20)-SBA-15 with the Si/M molar ratio of 20 exhibited higher catalytic activity. The isomer distribution of bisphenol F could be regulated in the hydroxyalkylation of phenol with formaldehyde by changing the Al/Zr ratio in M(20)-SBA-15 catalysts. Al(20)-SBA-15 was in favor of the formation of 4,4′-isomer, whereas Zr(20)-SBA-15 was in favor of the formation of 2,4′- and 2,2′-isomers.