On the isopropylation of naphthalene over zeolite catalysts in the high-pressure fixed-bed flow reactor

Catalytic performances of various dealuminated mordenite catalysts for the isopropylation of naphthalene by isopropyl alcohol with decalin or cyclohexane as a solvent were investigated in a high-pressure fixed-bed flow reactor. It was found that dealumination of H-mordenite could substantially improve the catalytic conversion, selectivity and stability. The catalyst with steam treatment at 700 °C followed by acid leaching was revealed to exhibit high and comparatively stable conversion of ca. 37% with the high 2,6-/2,7-DIPN ratio of ca. 3. Reaction conditions, such as reaction temperature, pressure, space velocity and solvent, could significantly influence the catalytic performance, except for the 2,6-/2,7-DIPN ratio. The catalytic behavior is discussed in relation with catalyst porosity and acidity.