R. Bal et al., Vapour phase O-methylation of 2-naphthol over the solid bases alkali-loaded silica and Cs-loaded MCM-41, CATAL LETT, 70(1-2), 2000, pp. 75-78
O-alkylation of 2-naphthol has been investigated in the vapour phase over a
lkali-loaded fumed silica and Cs-MCM-41. Both SiO2 and MCM-41 had low C-alk
ylation activities and no O-alkylation activity. The introduction of alkali
ions considerably increases 2-naphthol conversion with 2-methoxynaphthalen
e being the major product. The activity of the catalysts increases with alk
ali loading and the basicity of the metal (Cs >K > Na > Li). Very high conv
ersion (similar to 99%) of 2-naphthol and selectivity (> 95%) for 2-methoxy
naphthalene are obtained over Cs-loaded fumed silica and MCM-41. A small am
ount of 1-methyl-2-hydroxynaphthalene is also formed over the Li-, Na- and
K-loaded silica.