Pillared synthetic saponite as an efficient alkylation catalyst
Abstract
A novel pillared synthetic saponite, prepared by exchanging Na+ in the interlayer of saponite [idealized formula; Na+x(Mg3)oct.(Si4 –xAlx)tet.O10(OH)2] with an Al hydroxy cluster cation followed by calcination, gives a high catalytic activity and a high yield of p-xylene isomer for toluene alkylation by methanol.