Application of glycerol to synthesis of solvo-surfactants by using mesoporous materials containing niobium

A series of niobium-incorporated MSU-X and SBA-16 mesoporous molecular sieves was synthesized under different templates, initial Si/Nb molar ratios or hydrothermal parameters. The catalytic activities of niobium-containing mesoporous materials in the acetalization of glycerol were investigated at the same time. This paper reports on the acetalization of glycerol in acetone to give solketal (4-hydroxymethy1-2,2-dimethy1-1,3-dioxolane), an oxygenated compound useful as chemical and fuel additive for gasoline, diesel and biodiesel. The explored synthesis parameters strongly influence the niobium content and textural properties in studied materials and, subsequently, the catalytic activities. High conversions were achieved (similar to 90%), though water was present in the reaction system. The results show that niobium-containing materials are water tolerant, reusable catalysts for glycerol acetalization.