Zinc-Modified MCM-22 as Potential Solid acid Catalyst for Friedel–Crafts Alkylation Reaction

In this paper, we report loading of ZnCl on microporous medium pore high surface area zeolite, which was achieved by incipient wetness method. The zinc-modified mobil composite material -22 (Zn-MCM-22) was systematically characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, N adsorption-desorption analysis, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The acidity of the materials was studied by temperature programmed desorption of ammonia analysis. The well-characterized Zn-MCM-22 catalyst was investigated for the Friedel–Crafts alkylation of benzene by benzyl chloride in liquid phase medium. A systematic investigation of various operating parameters like effect of different temperature, catalyst loading and reactant molar ratio was carried out. The Zn-MCM-22 found to be promising, further the catalytic activity remains stable over several recycles.