Alkylation of benzene by benzyl chloride over H-ZSM-5 zeolite with its framework Al completely or partially substituted by Fe or Ga

Liquid-phase benzylation of benzene by benzyl chloride to diphenylmethane over H-ZSM-5, H-gallosilicate(MFI), H-galloaluminosilicate(MFI), H-ferrosilicate(MFI) and H-ferroaluminosilicate(MFI) zeolites at 80(degrees)C has been investigated. A complete or partial substitution of Al in H-ZSM-5 zeolite by Fe or Ga results in a drastic increase in the catalytic activity of the zeolite in the benzylation process. The redox function of the zeolite is relatively more important than its acid function in the benzylation process.