Isopropylation of naphthalene over H-mordenite, H-Y, and H-beta zeolites: Roles of isopropylnaphthalene isomers

Abstract

Isopropylation of naphthalene (NP) was examined over H-mordenite (MOR), H-Y zeolite (FAU), and HBeta zeolite (BEA) in order to elucidate roles of isopropylnaphthalene (IPN) isomers during the catalysis. 2-IPN was the predominant isomer over MOR and works as a precursor for the selective formation of β,β-DIPN, particularly, 2,6-DIPN. In contrast, 1-IPN was predominant (with 2-IPN as a minor isomer) over FAU and BEA at low temperatures; dialkylation accompanied by the consumption of 1- and 2-IPN led to predominant formation of α,α- and α,β-DIPN. The formation of β,β-DIPN from 2-IPN was enhanced at higher temperatures. Bulky transition states of 1-IPN in IPN isomers and α,α- and α,β-DIPN among DIPN isomers were hindered by the interaction with MOR channels, resulting in the selective formation of β,β-DIPN, particularly 2,6-DIPN through the less bulky 2-IPN. FAU and BEA allow the formation of α,α- and α,β-DIPN from both of 1- and 2-IPN isomers because their channels are too large to exclude bulky transition states. The catalysis over FAU and BEA occurred under kinetic control at lower temperatures, and thermodynamic control also participates at higher temperatures.