New way for iron introduction in LDH matrix used as catalysts for Friedel–Crafts reactions

Abstract

The alkylation of toluene, reaction employing benzyl chloride as the alkylating agent over basic hydrotalcite materials: Fe–Mg–Al-LDH prepared by different synthesis methods, including the method of co-precipitation, impregnation and a new method called the method of intercalation by anion exchange in the lamellar space of the host structure LDH. Our prepared solids were characterized by chemical analysis, XRD analysis, BET method and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and tested in the alkylation of toluene by benzyl chloride reaction. Fe–Mg–Al-LDH clay without or with calcination (at 773 K) has been investigated. The catalyst derived from the hydrotalcite by its calcination at 773 K shows high catalytic activity for the alkylation of toluene and other aromatic compounds. The catalytically active species present in the catalyst in its most active form are the oxides of iron on the catalyst surface.