ZnFe2O4 as a new catalyst in theC-methylation of phenol

This paper reports the investigation ofC-alkylation of phenol with methanol over zinc ferrite as a catalyst. The reactions were carried out in gas phase at atmospheric pressure in dependence of increasing temperature. The total selectivity towardsortho-cresol and 2,6-xylenol over 300°C surpassed 90%. ZnFe2O4 was obtained by oxidative precipitation method from solution of iron (II) sulphate and zinc sulphate at 60°C. Based on the results, the best equation describing the oxidation reaction rate was found. The obtained products have been investigated using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and X-ray diffraction analysis.