INFRARED INVESTIGATIONS OF THE ALKYLATION OF TOLUENE WITH METHANOL BY ALKALI-MODIFIED ZEOLITES

The infrared spectra of zeolites NaX, ion-exchanged CsNaX, and cesium acetate impregnated CsNaY (CsAce/CsNaY) exposed to methanol and toluene at batch and continuous flow conditions over the temperature range 200-420 °C have been recorded in situ in order to investigate the types of adsorbed species that may exist on these c1atalysts during side-chain alkylation of toluene with methanol to form styrene. The results from all three materials indicate that methanol and toluene adsorb at different sites within the zeolite. Zeolites with no acidity (CsAce/CsNaY) do not show the presence of formaldehyde. These data and those from our previous catalytic experiments on side-chain alkylation are used to speculate on new catalyst designs necessary for further rate/selectivity enhancements over existing technology. © 1990, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.