Benzoylation of benzene and substituted benzenes by benzoyl chloride over In₂O₃/Si-MCM-41 catalyst

Abstract

Liquid phase benzoylation of benzene by benzoyl chloride over In₂O₃, Ga₂O₃ and ZnO supported on high silica mesoporous MCM-41 at 80 ° C has been investigated. The supported In₂O₃, Ga₂O₃ and ZnO catalysts showed high activity for the benzoylation of benzene. The redox function and activation of aromatic substrate by the supported basic In₂O₃ and amphoteric Ga₂O₃ or ZnO seem to play a very important role in the benzoylation process. Among the catalysts, the In₂O₃/Si-MCM-41 showed the highest activity for the benzoylation of benzene. The activity of this catalyst for the benzoylation of benzene and substituted benzenes is in the following order: anisole>mesitylene>p-xylene>toluene>benzene. The In₂O₃ (or Ga₂O₃)/Si-MCM-41 showed high benzoylation activity of benzene even in the presence of appreciable amounts of moisture in the reaction mixture. Solvent and its nature (polar or non-polar) also play important role in the benzoylation over the supported In₂O₃ catalyst.