SIDE-CHAIN METHYLATION OF TOLUENE ON SYSTEMS FORMED BY ZEOLITE NAY AND ALKALI-METAL SALTS

An investigation has been made of the properties of systems formed by zeolite NaY and alkali metal (Na, K, Ca) salts in the side-chain alkyl ation of toluene by methanol at 400-450-degrees-C and atmospheric pres sure. It has been established that the introduction of carbonates of t hese metals (as opposed to salts, the anions of which are formed by P, Mo, N and Cl) into the zeolite by impregnation leads to catalytically active systems. Their adsorption properties and thermal characteristi cs indicate dispersion and stabilization of the salts in the zeolite s tructure. It is concluded that the nature of the cations and anions of the occluded salts affects the basicity of the modified zeolites, whi ch, along with reducing the free volume of the zeolite cavities, has a considerable effect on the catalytic properties of the systems studie d.