Liquid phase allylation of anisole using TPA/ZrO2 catalyst

Abstract

The allylation of anisole with allyl alcohol was investigated in liquid phase using 12-tungstophosphoric acid supported on zirconia (TPA/ZrO2) calcined at 750 ◦C as the catalyst. The catalytic activity of 15% TPA/ZrO2 has been compared with zeolite catalysts under the optimized reaction conditions. The reaction was performed in the temperature range 140–200 ◦C and allyl alcohol to anisole molar ratio 0.5–3, under nitrogen pressure. Higher molar ratio of allyl alcohol to anisole under optimum reaction conditions resulted in the formation of ortho- and para-allylanisole as the major products, while at lower molar ratio (excess of anisole), more of 1,1-bis(methoxyphenyl)propane was formed. The reaction was heterogeneously catalyzed, and no contribution from homogeneous (leached) TPA into reacting medium was observed.