The reaction of naphthalene with benzyl alcohol over a Nafion-Silica composite : a kinetic study

A Nafion-silica composite was employed as catalyst for the reaction, in a slurry batch reactor at 80 C, of naphthalene (NA) with benzyl alc. in cyclohexane. The products, the benzylnaphthalenes (M) and several dibenzyl derivs. (D), included dibenzyl ether that was itself shown to be a weak benzylating agent. However, dibenzyl ether has also been shown to be a crit. factor in catalyst stability. The kinetics of both the reaction of benzyl alc. to give dibenzyl ether, and the benzylation of naphthalene by benzyl alc. or mixts. of alc. and ether, were studied, and the measurements interpreted by kinetic models.