Sulfated Mesoporous Tantalum Oxides in the Shape Selective Synthesis of Linear Alkyl Benzene

Linear alkylbenzenes (LAB), the primary intermediates in detergent industry, are commercially manufactured by the alkylation of benzene with C10–14 n-alkenes.[1–3] Among LAB isomers, 2-phenyl isomers are the most favorable starting materials for the production of ecofriendly domestic and industrial detergents because of their high solubility and biodegradability.[4] The development of catalysts with a high selectivity to 2-phenyl isomers in benzene alkylations is an area of great interest. The alkylation of benzene with olefins proceeds through a carbonium ion mechanism.[5] The relative stabilities of the formed carbonium ions increase with the carbon number towards the center of olefin chains. .....