Catalysis of Friedel-Crafts Alkylation by a Montmorillonite Doped with Transition-Metal Cations

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/hlca.19870700310

Catalysts are obtained by exchange of the interstitial cations in the K10 montmorillonite.They are applied to Friedel-Crafts alkylations with halides, alcohols, and olefins.They are quite effective even with unactivated hydrocarbons.Isomer distribution depends little on the catalyst used.Thermodynamic equilibration does not take place, the reactions appear to be kinetically controlled.Efficiency of the catalysts bears no apparent relation to that of the corresponding Lewis acids under homogeneous conditions, and it depends on the nature of the alkylating agent.Zr(IV) and Ti(IV), in general, give the best results.