Sol–Gel Synthesis of MoO3/SiO2 Composite for Catalytic Application in Condensation of Anisole with Paraformaldehyde.

MoO3/SiO2 composite with varying amounts of MoO3 loading (1–20 wt.%) were prepared by sol–gel method and calcined at 500 °C. These catalysts were employed for the liquid phase condensation of anisole with paraformaldehyde. All the catalysts were characterized by N2 sorption, XRD, and NH3-TPD. The activities of synthesized MoO3/SiO2 catalysts were compared with p-toluene sulfonic acid ( p-TSA), the most frequently used catalyst for the condensation reactions, and with a supported metal oxide (WO x /ZrO2). Under the similar reaction conditions, synthesized 10 wt.% MoO3/SiO2 catalyst calcined at 500 °C was found to be the most active in the condensation of anisole with paraformaldehyde. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]