Modified MCM-41 as Catalyst for Synthesis of Geranyl Propionate

SO₄ ^2-/mobile crystalline material (MCM-41) was prepared via the modification of MCM-41 with H₂SO₄. Its structure was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), NH₃-temperature programmed desorption (NH₃-TPD) and N₂ adsorption-desorption, respectively. The geranyl propionate (GP) was synthesized. Using SO₄ ^2-/MCM-41 as a catalyst. The effects of amount and regeneration of the catalyst on the reaction results were investigated. H₂SO₄, MCM-41 and SO₄ ^2-/MCM-41 were used as a catalyst for the synthesis of GP, respectively, and their catalytic properties were compared. The results show that the mesoporous molecular sieves SO4₄ ^2-/MCM-41with a long-range order and a good crystallinity can be obtained by dipping the mesoporous molecular sieves MCM-41 with H₂SO₄ of 0.50 mol/L for 1.0 h and calcining at 450 for 3.0 h. The conversion could be 88.82% and the selectivity of GP was 85.20% when the modified MCM-41 was used as a catalyst for the esterification of geraniol. The modification effect with H₂SO₄ on the structure of MCM-41 mesoporous molecular sieves was not obvious, but could improve its acidity.