Liquid phase benzylation of o-xylene over pillared clays

Iron, aluminium and mixed iron aluminium pillared clays have been prepared by partial hydrolysis method and doped with 10% Mo, V and Cr. The samples have been characterised by XRD, FTIR and surface area and pore Volume measurements. The surface acid site distribution has been determined by temperature programmed desorption of ammonia. Vanadia incorporated systems show maximum acidity. Benzylation of o-xylene has been done as probe reaction to test catalytic activity. Benzyl chloride is a superior benzylating agent compared to benzyl alcohol in activity and selectivity. Cent percent selectivity towards monobenzylated product is obtained in all the cases. Fe pillared systems exhibit maximum activity. The catalytic activities of the systems can be correlated with the amount of strong acid sites. The effects Of Various reaction variables on the reaction have been studied. Presence of moisture has a diminishing effect on the reaction rate.