CATALYTIC DEBUTYLATION OF TERT-BUTYLPHENOLS BY SOME NATURAL CLAYS

In the catalytic debutylation of tert-butylphenols by some Jordanian, Bulgarian and Turkish natural clays, Jordanian kaolin and bentonite we re found to be the most active catalysts among the clays studied. The activity of these clays to convert o-tert-butylphenol to phenol p-tert -butylphenol and other minor products is in the following order: Jorda nian kaolin greater than or equal to Jordanian bentonite > Turkish ben tonite. Bulgarian bentonite. While for the conversion of p-tert-butylp henols, Jordanian clays showed moderate activity, with bentonite being the most active, the other clays were not active. Also, all the clays studied were ineffective towards conversion of m-tert-butylphenol. As to the debutylation selectivity of the ortho isomer, Jordanian benton ite proved to be slightly debutylation selective, whereas Jordanian ka olin showed a relatively high selectivity towards ortho to para isomer ization. The para isomer produced only debutylation products and none of the other isomers.