Versatile low-loaded mechanochemically synthesized supported iron oxide nanoparticles for continuous flow alkylations

Abstract

A novel and highly versatile mechanochemically synthesized low-loaded (0.25 wt.%) supported iron oxide nanocatalyst has been demonstrated to be highly active and selective for the production of o- and p-benzylmethylbenzene (preferentially) C–C alkylated products in the continuous flow alkylation of toluene with benzyl chloride as compared to the etherification product (dibenzyl ether) observed in the alkylation of toluene with benzyl alcohol. The low quantities of highly accessible iron oxide nanoparticles on the external surface of an aluminosilicate support provided versatile acidic sites that were able to promote both the alkylation of toluene with benzyl alcohol and benzyl chloride. ICP-MS analysis revealed that the catalyst is highly stable and does not significantly leach under the investigated conditions, providing solid evidence of an iron-catalysed heterogeneous protocol.