Grafting SnCl4 catalyst as a novel solid acid for the synthesis of 3-methylbut-3-en-1-ol

Grafting SnCl4 on inorganic support as a novel solid acid catalyst was used to catalyze the Prins condensation reaction of isobutene with formaldehyde to produce 3-methylbut-3-en-1-ol (MBOH). Three supports of SiO2, SiO2–Al2O3 and γ-Al2O3 were used to prepare the catalysts, and the structure and acid property of the tin chloride species formed over different supports was investigated. It was found that the SnCl4 grafted on SiO2 exhibited high activity and selectivity at a low reaction temperature of 100 °C, with formaldehyde conversion of 55% and MBOH selectivity of 92%. The superior performance of SnClx–SiO2 catalyst was attributed to its low electron density of tin nucleus and strong Lewis acidity.

Graphical abstractThe catalyst of SnCl4/SiO2 prepared by a new gas–solid phase method exhibited high activity and MBOH selectivity at mild reaction conditions of 100 °C and 2.2 MPa, with formaldehyde conversion of 55% and MBOH selectivity of 92%.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (109 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Grafting SnCl4catalyst has been firstly prepared by a new gas–solid phase method. ► Catalyst for the Prins condensation reaction to produce 3-methylbut-3-en-1-ol. ► The type of support influences the structure and acidity of grafting tin chloride species. ► SnClx-SiO2 exhibits high catalytic performance at mild reaction conditions.