Green synthesis of dihydroxybenzene from phenol with hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by iron modified FSM-16

Catechol and hydroquinone are very important fine chemical intermediate products, which have a wide range of applications. The hydroxylation of phenol with hydrogen peroxide to produce dihydroxybenzene is a mild and environmental friendly route. In this work, FSM-16 modified by iron (Fe/FSM-16) is used as a catalyst. With Fe content of 5% (wt), phenol to H2O2 ratio of 3:1, reaction temperature of 60 degrees C, catalyst amount of 0.1 g and reaction time of 6 h, phenol conversion of 29.1% and dihydroxybenzene selectivity (catechol/hydroquinone = 1.6) of 93.5% are achieved. The results are close to that of TS-1 which is used in industry production and shows good prospects for industrial applications. The characterizations revealed that the Fe/FSM-16 could be reusable and stable.