Clay Catalysts in Organic Synthesis

Abstract

(A) The intramolecular dehydrogenation of alcohols is efficiently catalysed by both Al3+- as well as H+-exchange clays. Primary alcohols afford mainly dialkyl ethers with little alkene production whereas secondary and tertiary alcohols provide alkenes almost exclusively. Equation Presented. (B) Montmorillonite supported transition metal salts (zinc and nickel chlorides) are highly active and selective agents for the catalysis of Friedel-Crafts alkylation. Equation Presented.