Metal Organic Framework-Encapsulated Phosphotungstic Acid: An Effective Catalyst for Highly Efficient Acetalization of Vanillin Propylene Glycol

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) have exhibited potential for application as heterogeneous catalytic materials because they consist of empty space, which can be used for encapsulation. Encapsulation of H3PW12O40 (HPW) in MOFs, such as the fabrication of MIL-101, by direct synthesis method or impregnation has drawn significant interest. However, few researches have used MOFs as catalysts for acetalization. This study evaluates the use of HPW encapsulated in MIL-101(Cr) to make it a catalyst in the acetalization of vanillin propylene glycol. Samples fabricated using various techniques (encapsulation and impregnation) were characterized by SEM, TEM, N2 adsorption–desorption, XRD, and FT-IR. The synthesis conditions of HPW@MIL-101 and their effects on vanillin conversion were examined. The reaction kinetics was also investigated under optimal conditions. Vanillin conversion showed that introducing HPW directly into MIL-101(Cr) during synthesis induced a 14% increase, compared with impregnation. The results indicated that HPW@MIL-101(Cr) is an effective method for vanillin propylene glycol acetal production and is reusable.