Cation-Exchanged Montmorillonite (Mn+-Mont)-Catalyzed Prins Reaction

Article abstract of DOI:10.1246/bcsj.69.2361

The Prins reaction of styrenes with paraformaldehyde or 1,3,5-trioxane in toluene in the presence of cation-exchanged montmorillonite (Mⁿ⁺-mont), which worked as a Bronsted acid catalyst, at 80°C produced 4-aryl-1,3-dioxanes selectively in up to 99% isolated yield with a turnover number of up to 5.9×10². Among the examined 21 Mⁿ⁺-monts, Ce³⁺- and Fe³⁺-monts were revealed to be quite effective. Regeneration of the catalyst was confirmed with the Ce³⁺-mont, which could be effectively recycled at least three times. Many lanthanide metal ion-exchanged montmorillonites (Ln³⁺-monts) were prepared and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and temperature-programmed desorption of ammonia gas (NH₃-TPD) methods.