Effect of Sn-MCM-41 hydrothermal synthesis conditions on nopol production

Abstract

Several catalysts were prepared by hydrothermal synthesis of Sn-MCM-41 at room temperature using SnCl2•2H2O as precursor salt. Catalysts were characterized by TPD of ammonia, FTIR of adsorbed pyridine and TPR of H2. The reactivity of the synthesized materials for the Prins condensation of β-pinene with paraformaldehyde to obtain nopol was explained in terms of the type of acidity. The most active catalysts showed medium strength acidity. Materials synthesized under pH control and by adding the metal source as a solid, exhibited medium strength acidity.