Synthesis of Al-BEC zeolite as an efficient catalyst for the alkylation of benzene with 1-dodecene

A novel quaternary ammonium hydroxide, p-Xylylene-bis(N-methylpiperidinium hydroxide) (XBMPOH), was prepared and used as an organic structure-directing agent (OSDA) for the syntheses of BEC zeolites. Both Si,Ge- BEC and Al incorporated BEC (Al- BEC ) zeolites were successfully synthesized. In comparison with commonly used OSDA (tetraethylammonium hydroxide (TEAOH)), XBMPOH was more suitable for the crystallization of BEC structure, especially in the Al containing system. Al- BEC zeolites were directly synthesized at lower germanium and OSDA content, in a wider (Si + Ge)/Al ratio range (20 to ∞ vs. 50 to ∞) and shorter time (6 h vs. 12 h). For the first time, Al- BEC zeolites were used as a solid acid to catalyze the alkylation of benzene with 1-dodecene, and showed significant catalytic performance. After an acidic treatment procedure, the catalytic performance was further improved due to the removal of non-framework Al with accompanied exposure of framework Al. • A novel OSDA, XBMPOH, was prepared and used for the syntheses of BEC zeolites. • Al incorporated BEC zeolite was directly synthesized. • Acidic treatment was carried out to remove the non-framework Al and increase the total acid sites. • Al- BEC and post acidic treated Al- BEC showed better performance than H- BEA in the alkylation of benzene with 1-dodecene.