Mesoporous ZrO_2-AI_2O_3 (ZA) mixed metal oxide as an efficient and reusable catalyst for the liquid phase O-methoxymethylation reaction under solvent free conditions

摘要

Mixed metal oxide based solid acids like ZrO2-Al2O3 (ZA) with Al2O3 different loadings (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 mol%) were prepared by wet impregnation method and characterized by PXRD, NH3-TPD, BET, ICP-OES, SEM, and TEM techniques. These solid acids were evaluated for their catalytic activity in the synthesis of a series of O-methoxymethylated products under solvent-free conditions at a moderate temperature in shorter reaction time (similar to 20 min). This is achieved by various substituted alcohols and dimethoxy methane in good yields. Solid acids containing ZA used in this study exhibited good catalytic activity in the reaction. In case of 6 mol% ZA which has highest surface acidity, surface area and catalytically active tetragonal phase was found to be highest active in the O-methoxymethylation reaction up to similar to 99% yield. These catalysts were found to be reactivable and reusable.