DIMERIZATION OF ALPHA-METHYLSTYRENE OVER NAFION SILICA COMPOSITE CATALYSTS/

The dimerization of alpha-methylstyrene (AMS) 1 over highly dispersed strongly acidic ion exchange resins based on Nafion((R)) and entrapped in a porous silica matrix has been investigated in the continuous liq uid phase. Over these new catalysts the dimerization rate is independe nt of the choice of solvent, which highlights the increased accessibil ity of the acid sites. Depending upon the reaction conditions differen t dimerization products are obtained. Complete conversion is achieved even at very high space velocities.