A practicable mesostructured MFI zeolitic catalyst for large molecule reactions.

A microspherical mesostructured zeolite (MMZ-5) with MFI-topological frameworks is employed. In-situ FT-IR spectra of pyridine and 2, 6-di-tert-butylpyridine have indicated that almost all of the acid sites are located on the zeolitic external surface, which are favorable for access of reactive large molecules. This key effect, along with the reduced diffusion and steric limitation, has been proposed to be main the reason for the enhanced catalytic activity, selectivity and stability exhibited in benzylation of aromatics with benzyl chloride. The need for optimized characterization of the mesoporous surface acidity for different aromatics is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]