Novel Fe-based complex oxide catalysts for hydroxylation of phenol

Novel catalysts for the hydroxylation of phenol, Fe–Si–O, Fe–Mg–O and Fe–Mg–Si–O complex oxides, have been synthesized by a coprecipitation method. X‐ray diffraction studies show that MgFe2O4 crystallites with spinel structure are formed in Fe–Mg–Si–O and Fe–Mg–O complex oxides and the crystallite size of the metal oxide or complex oxide is reduced after addition of Si. In the hydroxylation of phenol with hydrogen peroxide, Fe‐based complex oxides exhibit high activities after a short induction period. The phenol conversion is improved when silicon is introduced into the Fe‐based complex oxides, and formation of MgFe2O4 crystals with spinel structure in the catalysts increases the diphenol selectivity. The addition of a little acetic acid to the reaction liquid can shorten the induction period effectively. Under the same reaction conditions, phenol conversion and diphenol selectivity over the Fe–Mg–Si–O catalyst are close to those over TS‐1, and furthermore, the reaction time is more than ten times shorter as compared to TS‐1. The reaction mechanism of the hydroxylation of phenol on the catalysts has been studied, and a free‐radical mechanism initiated by the formation of phenoxy free radicals is suggested.