Sulfated Mesoporous Tantalum Oxides in the Shape Selective Synthesis of Linear Alkyl Benzene

Abstract

Tantal(izing) catalysis: Mesoporous tantalum oxides were treated with 1.0 M sulfuric acid and evaluated for their catalytic activity and selectivity to 2-phenyl isomers in the alkylation of benzene with bulky olefins (see scheme). The sulfated mesoporous Ta oxide showed comparable activity to H-Y zeolite, but much higher 2-phenyldodecane selectivity in mild reaction conditions. The high activity and selectivity was rationalized by the eased diffusion of bulky reactants in the mesoporous frames.