Formation of carbocations from C3 compounds in zeolites of different acidities

Abstract

Generation of enylic carbenium ions from compounds possessing C₃ carbon skeletons has been investigated on mordenites of different acidities by ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. The formation of similar carbocations from allene, propene, cyclopropane, isopropanol and acetone has been identified. The rate of formation of allylic and polyenylic carbocations markedly depends on the number of acidic centres in the zeolite. The order of capability for carbenium ion formation found for organic compounds of similar structures was in good agreement with that observed previously in sulphuric acid solutions.