Abstract:
Aluminosilicate catalysts containing supported ZnCl2 and metal fluoride salts have
been prepared using a sol-gel based route, tested and characterized. The activities of these
ZnCl2 + metal fluoride catalysts, while greater than "Clayzic" (ZnCI2 supported on
montmorillonite KIO) are not as good as supported ZnCl2 only supported on aluminosilicate.
Alumina supports have also been prepared via a sol-gel route using various chemical
additives to generate a mesoporous structure, loaded with ZnCl2 and tested for activity. The
activities for these alumina-supported catalysts are also significantly higher than that of
"Clayzic", an effective Friedel-Crafts catalyst. Characterizations of these two types of
catalysts were done by magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR, diffuse reflectance infrared
(DRIFT) spectroscopy and additionally for the alumina nitrogen adsorption studies were
done. Supported aluminum trichloride was also investigated as an alternative to the
traditional use of aluminum trichloride.
