Disproportionation, isomerization and de-tert-butylation of 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol catalyzed by H-MCM-41

Mesoporous H-MCM-41 is an efficient catalyst for conversion of 2,6-di-tert-butylphenol to 2-tert-butylphenol, 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenol, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol and 4-tert-butylphenol besides di- and tri-isobutylene in solvent free conditions. At low temperature (100 °C) and shorter reaction times 2-tert-butylphenol and 2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenol are major products whereas at high temperature (180 °C) 4-tert-butylphenol is the most favoured product. H-MCM-41 steamed for 6 h at 520 °C was found to be the most active catalyst with maximum turnover of the products.