Synthesis of tetraline derivatives through depolymerization of polyethers with aromatic compounds using a heterogeneous titanium-exchanged montmorillonite catalyst

Abstract

A novel depolymerization of poly(tetramethylene glycol) (PTMG) with benzene to tetralin using titanium-exchanged montmorillonite (Ti⁴⁺-mont) as a solid acid catalyst is described. This catalyst is applicable to depolymerization of PTMG with some aromatic compounds. This is the first demonstration of the potential use of PTMG as a C4 synthon for organic synthesis.