Alkylation of phenol with methanol over molybdenum oxide supported on NaY zeolite

A series Of MoO3/NaY catalysts were prepared with Mo loadings ranging from 2 to 16 wt% and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), BET specific surface area and temperature-programmed desorption (TPD) of ammonia. XRD results revealed that the crystallinity of NaY zeolite was found to decrease with increase in Mo loading in the catalysts. The total acidity measured by ammonia TPD of the catalysts was found to decrease with increase in Mo loading. The catalytic properties were evaluated for the vapor phase alkylation of phenol with methanol and the results were correlated with results obtained from different characterization techniques. The conversion of phenol decreases as Mo loading increases in the catalyst. With increase in Mo loading on NaY zeolite the selectivity for the formation of C-alkylated compounds was decreased. However, the selectivity towards the formation of O-alkylated products was increased. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.