Isopropylation of m-cresol over mesoporous Al-MCM-41 molecular sieves

Isopropylation of m-cresol with isopropyl alcohol was studied using Al-MCM-41 molecular sieves with Si/Al ratios of 59, 103, and 202 at temperature between 250 and 400degreesC. The products obtained were 2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol (IMP), isopropyl-3-methylphenyl ether (IMPE), and isopropyl-(2-isopropyl-5-methylphenyl) ether (IIMPE). The m-cresol conversion increased till 300degreesC, after which it decreased. The selectivity of 2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol (IMP) was found to be more than that of the other products. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science (USA).