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.