ISOPROPYLATION OF BIPHENYL OVER DEALUMINATED MORDENITE

Alkylation of biphenyl with propene in mesitylene as a solvent over a series of modified mordenite catalysts was studied in a continuous mic roflow reactor. Na-mordenite was modified by subjecting it to combinat ions of acid extraction and calcinations. Performance and selectivity for 4,4'-diisopropyl biphenyl formation of the mordenite catalysts dep ended on their Na content, Si/Al ratio and porous texture. Best result s were obtained using a highly crystalline modified mordenite having a low sodium content, a Si/Al ratio of about 70, a secondary pore volum e in mesopores of about 0.15 ml/g and a surface area in mesopores of a bout 30 m(2)/g. Thermal analysis showed that coke on deactivated catal ysts consisted mainly of propene oligomers. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.