Effect of sulphate treatment in the alkylation of phenol with methanol over mixed oxides of tin with lanthanum and samarium

Pathways of phenol alkylation is investigated in detail over mixed oxides o f tin with lanthanum and samarium and the effect of sulphate modification o n the product selectivity is highlighted. It is found that unmodified catal ysts are selective in the preparation of o-cresol and 2,6-xylenol whereas s ulphate modification leads to the formation of all possible products which is attributed to the nature of interaction of phenol with the catalyst surf ace.