BENZOYLATION OF TOLUENE WITH BENZOYL CHLORIDE OVER ZEOLITE CATALYSTS

The liquid phase benzoylation of toluene with benzoyl chloride (BOC) has been studied over ZSM-12, beta, mordenite, Y and REY zeolites and AlCl3 at 383 K. Zeolite H-beta is more active and selective than the other zeolites. H-ZSM-5, Na-Y and amorphous SiO2-Al2O3 do not catalyze the reaction. The acidity of the zeolites was measured by temperature programmed desorption of ammonia. The activity and acidity of the Y zeolites correlate with the degree of RE(3+)-exchange. The influence of various parameters such as duration of the run, SiO2/Al2O3 ratio, catalyst concentration, reaction temperature, molar ratios of reactants and reuse of the zeolite H-beta in the benzoylation of toluene are also reported. The conversion of BOC over H-beta is significantly enhanced by increasing duration of the run, the reaction temperature, catalyst amount and molar ratios toluene/BOC. Increase in SiO2/Al2O3 ratio decreases the BOC conversion. The HCl formed during the reaction deactivates the catalyst.