Friedel-Crafts type alkylation of benzene and other aromatic compounds using MgGa₂O₄ (spinel)-MgO based catalysts

Abstract

The MgGa₂O₄ (spinel)-MgO catalyst (with Mg/Ga=2.0) requires a long induction period for exhibiting high catalytic activity in the benzylation of benzene, naphthalene, substituted benzenes and naphthalenes, depending upon the aromatic substrate. However, after its first use or pretreatment with gaseous HCl, the catalyst shows almost no induction period and also has very high benzylation activity, even in the presence of moisture in the reaction mixture. But its physico-chemical properties are changed drastically with a partial collapse of the spinel structure. The catalytically active species in this catalyst are expected to be mainly Ga₂O₃ and GaCl₃ dispersed on MgO.