A comparative study on the anisole methylation activity of lanthanum-promoted SnO2 catalyst and its sulfate-doped analogue

A comparative study on the anisole methylation with methanol over lanthanum -promoted SnO2 catalyst and its sulfate-doped analogue is presented. A maxi mum 2,6-xylenol selectivity of 82% was achieved at 400 degreesC under optim ized conditions at an anisole conversion of 65% over lanthanum-promoted SnO 2 catalyst. The sulfate modification resulted in the dealkylation of anisol e to phenol followed by several unselective side reactions due to the creat ion of strong acid sites. The activity of lanthanum-modified tin oxide cata lysts in the selective formation of 2,6-xylenol is ascribed to the presence of weak Lewis acid sites and comparatively stronger basic sites.