CATALYTIC SYNTHESIS OF 2,6-DIMETHYLPHENOL FROM METHANOL AND KA-OIL OVER MAGNESIUM-OXIDE CATALYSTS

Catalytic synthesis of 2,6-dimethylphenol from methanol and KA-oil (mi xture of cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone) was achieved by using magnesi um oxide-supported chromium oxide catalysts in one step. The activity of Cr/MgO catalysts depended on the concentration of chromium. At high conversion (>90%), dimethylphenol was formed in high yield (>60%) wit h minor amounts of methylated cyclohexanol and/or cyclohexanone, which may further be reacted to form the desired product. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.