Original Articles: 2011 Vol: 3 Issue: 2
Synthesis and characterization of analogue of mordenite and its role as a catalyst for Friedel-Crafts acylation of anisole
Abstract
4-methoxy propiophenone used as an intermediate for the production of fine chemicals and
pharmaceuticals was synthesized by Friedel-Crafts acylation of anisole with propionic
anhydride using mordenite zeolite as a solid acid catalyst. Mordenite was synthesized in the
laboratory by hydrothermal method, after dealumination and calcination, the sample was
characterized by different techniques such as powder X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier
Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy
Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. Effect of various reaction parameters such as reaction
time, molar ratio of reactants, weight of catalyst and reaction temperature were studied to
optimize the reaction conditions. The optimum condition for the synthesis of 4-
methoxypropiophenone was found at anisole to propionic anhydride molar ratio 8:1, using 0.5 g
of the catalyst at 373K. The product was analyzed by Gas Chromatography and Gas
Chromatography Mass Spectrometry analysis. The conversion of propionic anhydride to 4-
methoxypropiophenone was found to be 44.7% in case of dealuminated form of HMOR zeolite
and 39.4% for HMOR zeolite respectively.