A study of the intercalation reactions of 4-(methylmercapto)-aniline with alpha-zirconium phosphate

4-(Methylmercapto)-aniline(MMA) has been intercalated into alpha-Zr(HPO4)(2 ) . H2O (alpha-ZrP), and the characteristics of the intercalation reactions have been studied. Under mild conditions, no intercalation was observed. U nder more forcing conditions, variable amounts of intercalation compound we re observed along with unreacted alpha-ZrP. The yield of the intercalation compound is related to the ratio of MMA/alpha-ZrP, the reaction temperature and intercalation method, The interlayer spacing of the intercalation comp ound is about 2. 36 nm, and does not vary significantly with different prep aration conditions. The molecules of MMA which have been intercalated into alpha-ZrP occur in two forms, one being protonated, the other being unproto nated in the ratio of 1 to 1. 1 respectively. This incomplete proton transf er may be related to the relatively low base strength of MMA.