ZEOLITE CATALYZED ACYLATION OF HETEROCYCLIC-COMPOUNDS .2. ACYLATION OF BENZOFURAN OVER Y-ZEOLITES - EFFECT OF REACTION CONDITIONS ON THE ACTIVITY AND STABILITY

The acylation of benzofuran by acetic anhydride was carried out in the liquid phase (333 K) in the presence of Y-zeolites (Si/Al = 4.8-86). The most active zeolites were those with a Si/Al ratio approximate to 15. Adsorption experiments at room temperature were carried out and th e product distribution in the material ('coke') deposited in the cours e of the reaction was determined in order to understand the deactivati on of the catalyst. Various parameters were found to affect the compos ition of the deposit especially the reaction procedure which has a dra stic influence on the ageing of the catalyst.