Acylation of alcohols over solid acid catalysts

Acylation of 1-methoxy-2-propanol and t-butyl alcohol has been investigated over MCM-41, Al-MCM-41(40), HPA-MCM-41 and HPA-Al-MCM-41(400) [H3PW12O40:1 2H(2)O supported MCM-41 and Al-MCM-41 (400)] in the liquid phase, at approp riate temperatures. Though HPA-MCM-41 and HPA-Al-MCM-41 (400) showed high a lcohol conversion, leaching of HPA from the catalyst surface is the major p roblem. Though the attainment of equilibrium conversion is little delayed o ver Al-MCM-41 (40) compared to HPA-MCM-41 it could still be a better cataly st, as it gives high conversion as HPA-MCM-41. The reaction has been found to occur largely within the channels of the molecular sieves compared to th e surface. The reaction has also been studied over H beta zeolite (Si/Al=3. 14) for comparison and the results are discussed.