Liquid-phase dehydration of 1-phenylethanol to styrene over an acidic resin catalyst

Abstract

Dehydration of 1-phenylethanol to produce styrene has been studied in liquid phase with three solid acid catalysts such as H-ZSM-5, H-Y and Amberlyst-15. Amberlyst-15 shows the highest conversion and styrene yield, suggesting the applicability of a resin catalyst in the dehydration. The good performance of the Amberlyst-15 may be due to high acid concentration and ready diffusion of reactants and products. A possible reaction scheme (such as the formation of styrene from diphenylethylether) has also been suggested.