Introduction of a Simple Experiment for the Undergraduate Organic Chemistry Laboratory Demonstrating the Lewis Acid and Shape Selective Properties of Zeolite Na-Y

摘要

A simple, inexpensive, discovery-based experiment for undergraduate organic laboratories has been developed that demonstrates the Lewis acid and shape selective properties of zeolites. Calcined zeolite Na-Y promotes the electrophilic aromatic bromination of toluene with a significantly higher para/ortho ratio than observed under conventional conditions. The experiment can be completed in one three-hour laboratory period. The zeolite can be recovered and regenerated for later reuse. A broad range of organic course topics from orientation in electrophilic aromatic substitution to photochemistry can be discussed.