Characterization of novel Cs and K substituted phosphotungstic acid modified MCM-41 catalyst and its catalytic activity towards acetylation of aromatic alcohols

The MCM-41 supported Cs2.5H0.5PW12O40 and K2.5H0.5PW12O40 salts were synthesized by incipient wetness impregnation method. The solids were characterized by N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, FT-IR, XRD, and temperature programmed desorption, etc. This catalyst has been found to exhibit excellent activity for acetylation of phenolic compounds. The catalyst is stable and reusable giving 96% conversion with 100% selectivity towards acetate products.