Catalytic decomposition of 1,4-diisopropylbenzene dihydroperoxide on montmorillonite-type catalysts Original Research Article

A series of montmorillonite-based clays as acid character catalysts (KSF, KSF/0, K0, KP10, K10, KS from Süd Chemie) and their ion-exchanged derivatives with Zn2+, Mg2+, Cu2+, Al3+, Fe3+, Sn2+ were used in the decomposition process of the dihydroperoxide of 1,4-diisopropylbenzene whose conversion is of industrial relevance. The influence of the specific surface area and the acidity of the catalysts on the decomposition rate were investigated. The best catalytic activities were obtained with KS and Sn2+-K10 catalyst. In the case of Fe3+ as reducible cation the advantageous effect of O2 from air supported the possibility of a redox character of the reaction mechanism.