Alkylation of Aromatic Compounds in the Presence of Catalysts Based on Mesoporous Phenol–Formaldehyde Polymers

Abstract

A catalyst based on a mesoporous phenol–formaldehyde polymer (MPF) as an organic support modified with the IMHSO₄ ionic liquid has been synthesized. The catalytic activity of the sample has been studied in the alkylation of aromatic compounds with octene-1. It has been found that the use of the catalyst in phenol alkylation leads to the formation of both alkylphenols (C-alkylates) and alkyl phenyl ethers (O-alkylates) with a total yield of up to 60%. In the case of alkylation of benzene and benzene derivatives, significant conversion values (45–50%) are achieved only for toluene and anisole.