Catalytic properties of aluminated sepiolite in ethanol conversion

The aluminated sepiolite, obtained by alkaline treatment with KAlO₂, as well as the silver-exchanged aluminated sepiolite were tested in ethanol conversion. The reactions were performed at 280°C and with 50 Torr of ethanol in He. After the alumination through KA1O₂, ethanol dehydrogenation and ethanol dehydration resulted from the Lewis acidity. The dispersion of silver led to a bifunctional catalytic system and the overall catalytic activity and the selectivity towards the acetaldehyde production increased. As a result of the Prins reaction, a significant yield in butadiene was observed.