Selective synthesis of bisphenol F catalyzed by microporous H-beta zeolite

The bisphenol F synthesis from the liquid-phase phenol and formaldehyde condensation reaction in the presence of water over microporous H-beta zeolites, with different Si/Al ratios, has been investigated. The catalysts have been characterized for their phase purity and acidity. With an increase in the aluminum content in beta zeolite, the acidity is increased gradually; however, the catalytic activity is increased and passes through a maximum. Among the different Al-containing beta zeolites (having SUM ratios from 11.5 to 124.5 mol mol(-1), the catalyst with SUM ratio of 75.0 mol mol(-1) shows the best catalytic performance in the bisphenol F synthesis process. The influences of catalyst amount, phenol/formaldehyde ratio and reaction temperature on the phenol and formaldehyde condensation over the catalyst showing the highest bisphenol F activity have been thoroughly studied. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.