Solvent-free direct preparation of dichloropropanol from glycerol and hydrochloric acid gas in the presence of H3PMo12-XWXO40 catalyst and/or water absorbent

Solvent-free direct preparation of dichloropropanol (DCP) from glycerol and hydrochloric acid gas was carried out in the presence of H3PMo12-XWXO40 (X = 0, 3, 6, 9, and 12) heteropolyacid (HPA) catalyst and/or water absorbent. Acid strength of the HPA catalyst played an important role in determining the catalytic performance in the solvent-free direct preparation of DCP. Water formed during the reaction retarded the formation of DCP. Absorption of water using silica gel blue (water absorbent) during the reaction greatly enhanced the formation of DCP. A combination of HPA catalyst with silica gel blue resulted in further enhancement of DCP formation. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.