An efficient oxidative coupling of naphthols catalyzed by Fe impregnated pillared montmorillonite K10

Montmorillonite K10 was modified with pillaring solutions of Fe. The catalyst was activated at different temperatures. The resultant heterogeneous catalyst was used for coupling of 2-naphthol and derivatives under mild operating conditions. The activity of catalyst was compared with Fe pillared bentonite, Fe-exchanged montmorillonite K10 and bentonite catalysts. Amongst them, K10-FePLS120 showed better activity and selectivity. The catalyst can be recycled without loss of activity.