Friedel–Crafts alkylation of 2-methylnaphthalene in room temperature ionic liquids Original Research Article

Friedel–Crafts alkylations of 2-methylnaphthalene with long-chain alkenes (mixed C11–12 olefins) in the ethyl-containing amine chloroaluminate ionic liquids modified with HCl as environmentally friendly catalysts have been investigated. Gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS) were used as the evaluation method for alkylation technology. The influences of the type and dosage of catalysts, molar ratio of 2-methylnaphthalene to alkenes and solvent to 2-methylnaphthalene, reaction temperature and time have also been studied. Based on the optimal reaction conditions, excellent conversion and selectivity have been achieved. The products and unreacted reactants do not dissolve in the ionic liquids, and therefore they could be isolated easily by decantation.