Selective synthesis of bisphenol F from phenol and PODE2 over an acidic resin-carbon composite material

    Bisphenol F (BPF) is an important monomer and was usually prepared from phenol (Ph) and formaldehyde (FA) catalyzed by an acid. In this study, an acid resin-carbon composite (PP-170) was prepared for the synthesis of BPF from Ph and FA liberated through the decomposition of a polyoxymethylene dimethyl ether (PODE₂). Characterization results showed that -SO₃H and Ar-OH groups were successfully introduced into PP-170, and were mostly distributed in the inner pores. As compared with H₃PO₄ and H₂SO₄, the PP-170 had the higher turnover frequencies for the synthesis of BPF, as well as the higher selectivity to BPF (especially the 4,4-BPF). Thus, the PP-170 seemed a good solid acid catalyst for the synthesis of BPF from Ph and PODE₂. In addition, the catalyst could be easily regenerated by the simple calcination and then reused at least twice with almost the same activity.

DOI: 10.1021/acs.iecr.9b00776

Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 2019, 58, 9223−9230