Zeolite catalyzed acylation of heterocyclic compounds. Part II. Acylation of benzofuran over Y zeolites. Effect of reaction conditions on the activity and stability

Abstract The acylation of benzofuran by acetic anhydride was carried out in the liquid phase (333 K) in the presence of Y-zeolites ( Si Al = 4.8−86 ). The most active zeolites were those with a Si Al ratio ≈ 15 . Adsorption experiments at room temperature were carried out and the product distribution in the material (‘coke’) deposited in the course of the reaction was determined in order to understand the deactivation of the catalyst. Various parameters were found to affect the composition of the deposit especially the reaction procedure which has a drastic influence on the ageing of the catalyst.