Effects of non-framework alumina in the acylation of xylene over USY Original Research Article

USY zeolites are active catalysts for the benzoylation of m-xylene. The activity depends on the stabilization procedure, the reaction conditions and, in particular, on the solvent and the acylating agent used. Investigation of the catalysts and the reaction mixture by elemental analysis and NMR shows that non-framework alumina species in stabilized Y catalysts interact with chloride acylating agents and become catalytically active. The active material thus formed is soluble in sulfolane and the dissolved species are active homogeneous acylation catalysts.