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Abstract: The bisphenol F synthesis from the liquid-phase phenol and formaldehyde condensation reaction in the presence of water over microporous H-beta zeolites, with different Si/Al ratios, has been investigated. The catalysts have been characterized for their phase purity and acidity. With an increase in the aluminum content in beta zeolite, the acidity is increased gradually; however, the catalytic activity is increased and passes through a maximum. Among the different Al-containing beta zeolites (having Si/Al ratios from 11.5 to 124.5molmol−1), the catalyst with Si/Al ratio of 75.0molmol−1 shows the best catalytic performance in the bisphenol F synthesis process. The influences of catalyst amount, phenol/formaldehyde ratio and reaction temperature on the phenol and formaldehyde condensation over the catalyst showing the highest bisphenol F activity have been thoroughly studied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Liquid-phase bisphenol F synthesis from phenol and formaldehyde condensation reaction in the presence of water has been investigated over mesoporous Al:MCM-41 catalysts, with different Si/Al ratios, prepared by a post-synthesis grafting method. The catalysts have been characterized for their phase purity, surface area, average pore diameter and acidity. Introduction of Al into the framework of MCM-41 increased the acidity; however, the increase in the acidity only up to a certain level increased the acid-catalyzed phenol and formaldehyde condensation activity. Among the different Al-grafted MCM-41 molecular sieves (having Si/Al ratios from 15 to 200 mol mol-1), Al:MCM-41 having a Si/Al ratio of 70 mol mol-1 shows the best catalytic performance in the bisphenol F synthesis process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]