Abstract:
The investigation describes alkylation of phenol with methanol over an active rutile TiO2 catalyst in relation to a commercial rutile form. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, surface areas and temperature programmed desorption studies with NH3 and CO2 as probe molecules. Alkylation reactions were carried out in the temperature range 250-480 degreesC to investigate the conditions that would favour the formation of ortho products viz. o-cresol and 2,6-xylenol. The synthesized rutile sample was more active than the commercial sample under identical conditions of temperature, WHSV and molar ratio of reactants. It showed 100 percent ortho selectivity at 480 degrees C. In comparison the commercial rutile gave mixed selectivity. The selectivity profiles of the catalysts are explained on the basis of their acid-base characteristics. ortho selectivity at 480 degreesC.In comparison the commercial rutile gave mixed selectivity.The selectivity profiles of the catalysts are explained on the basis of their acid-base characteristics.
