Shape-selective synthesis of 2,6-diisopropylnaphthalene on H-mordenite catalysts

To finally dispel any doubts on the shape-selective formation of 2,6-diisopropylnaphthalene (2,6-DIPN) over H-MOR zeolites, naphthalene alkylation was carried out over high-silica H-MOR catalysts with propylene or isopropanol as an alkylating agent and with or without cyclohexane as a solvent. Isomeric composition of DIPN’s, determined by one-dimensional GC analysis, was additionally confirmed with advanced two-dimensional GC × GC. Our results proved beyond any doubt shape-selective formation of 2,6-DIPN over these H-MOR catalysts from naphthalene and propylene and without cyclohexane as a solvent. The DIPN mixture contained 60–64% 2,6-DIPN, and the ratio of 2,6-DIPN/2,7-DIPN was in the range 2.5–2.8. We also showed that shape-selective formation of 2,6-DIPN over H-MOR catalyst was depressed by using isopropanol instead of propylene and in the presence of cyclohexane.