Bisphenol F synthesis over mesoporous aluminosilicate MCM-41 molecular sieves

Liquid-phase bisphenol F synthesis from phenol and formaldehyde condensation reaction in the presence of water over mesoporous aluminosilicate MCM-41 catalysts (Si/Al = 50 mol mol(-1)) prepared by four different methods: sol - gel, hydrothermal, grafting and template-cation exchange at 90 degreesC has been investigated. The aluminum-incorporated MCM-41 samples prepared by different methods showed high activity in the bisphenol F synthesis process. However, the procedure of Al introduction into the framework of MCM-41 determines their catalytic activity in the acid-catalyzed phenol and formaldehyde reaction. The Al : MCM-41 prepared by grafting method exhibits the highest activity in the bisphenol F synthesis process.