Shape-selective catalysts based on Fe-modified ZSM-5 for synthesis of 2,6-dimethylnaphthalene by methylation of naphthalene

By isomorphous substitution of ZSM-5 with iron salt, a highly effective Fe/ZSM-5 catalyst was prepared, and this catalyst show further higher selectivity and stability when coupled with a selected binder. In a representative case for methylation of 2-MN with methanol using Fe/ZSM-5+B catalyst at 300°C, the ratio of 2,6-/2,7-dimethylnaphthalene (DMN) and 2,6-DMN/DMN can reach as high as 2.20 and 58%, respectively. Thus, a highly shape-selective catalyst formulation has been identified for 2,6-DMN. This is an abstract of a paper presented at the 228th ACS National Meeting (Philadelphia, PA 8/22-26/2004).