CATION-EXCHANGED MONTMORILLONITE CATALYZED HYDRATION OF STYRENE DERIVATIVES

Iron-exchanged Wyoming montmorillonite (Fe3+-SWy-1) is quite an effect ive catalyst for the hydration of styrene derivatives. The yields and selectivities depend on the reaction conditions, with good efficiency attained using THF as solvent at 120 degrees C. Fe3+-SWy-1 calcined at 300 degrees C, and pillared clays (PIL.Fe3+-SWy-1), either air dried or calcined at 300 degrees C, were inactive for the hydration of styre ne. The hydration of styrene was also investigated in the presence of a cation-exchanged Fluka K10 montmorillonite (Mn+-K10). Fe3+-K10 was f ound to be the most effective catalyst. However, it shows less activit y, selectivity and reproducibility than Fe3+-SWy-1. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.