Benzylation of arenes in the presence of Montmorillonite K10 modified using aqueous and acetonitrile solutions of FeCl3

Montmorillonite K10 was modified by treating it with FeCl3 dissolved in ace tonitrile and water. The catalysts thus prepared were activated at differen t temperatures and were used for the reaction of benzyl chloride with vario us arenes. The reactions were carried out at different temperatures and it was found that the difference in the activity was marked when the reaction was carried out at 40 degrees C. The maximum activity was associated with M ontmorillonite K10 modified by FeCl3 in acetonitrile solution and activated at 120 degrees C. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.