Group 4 metal halides/alumina solid superacids Relation between electronegativity, acid strength and catalytic properties

Abstract

The catalytic properties of solid superacids obtained by the action of the vapour of Group 4 metal halides on alumina have been related to the electronegativities of the halides used. It was found that the acid strength of the Lewis superacid centres and the reaction pathways of low-temperature pentane isomerization depend on the electron acceptor ability of the metal halide species bonded to the alumina carrier.