A novel catalyst for alkylation of benzene

In this research, acid-activated and pillared montmorillonite were prepared as catalysts for alkylation of benzene with 1-decene for production of linear alkyl bebzene (LAB). The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), FT-IR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), N₂ adsorption-desorption isotherms, temperature programmed desorption (TPD) of NH₃ and elemental and thermal analysis techniques. The reaction conditions were optimized by varying catalyst concentration, reactants ratio and temperature in a batch-slurry reactor. It was found that acid-activation increased the porosity and surface acidity of the catalysts. Pillaring of the sample improved the surface area, micro-mesoporosity and acidity. Under optimized conditions more than 98% conversion of 1-decene was observed. All products were LABs and no major side reaction was observed.