Synthesis of Ordered Microporous Silicates with Organosulfur Surface Groups and Their Applications as Solid Acid Catalysts

Abstract

Mercaptopropyl-functionalized porous silicates were synthesized by the co-condensation of (mercaptopropyl)triethoxysilane and tetramethoxysilane in the presence of a cationic surfactant. The ordered hexagonal arrays of channels in the extracted product were microporous (14 Å pore diameter) and contained high concentrations of alkylthiol functions. It was possible to oxidize the supported thiol groups to sulfonic acid groups, thus creating a solid acid ion exchanger. The sulfonic-acid functionalized material is an efficient heterogeneous acid catalyst.