Contrasting structure-property relationships in amorphous, hierarchical and microporous aluminophosphate catalysts for Claisen-Schmidt condensation reactions

Amorphous aluminophosphates are industrial catalysts that active in aldol-type condensations, dehydration and alkylation. The intrinsic nature of the sites present these materials is poorly understood. Herein we report a comparative investigation catalytic amorphous crystalline (AFI topology) their corresponding iron-containing analogues, employing Claisen-Schmidt condensation acetophenone benzaldehyde as test reaction. Secondary porosity generated via soft-templating approach hierarchically-porous HP FeAlPO-5, presence large mesopores Am FeAlPO resulted improved mass-transport high conversion carbonyls. concentration acidic within were characterized by pyridine-DRIFTS propylamine-TPD studies was shown to play crucial role activation carbonyl groups better performance. FeAlPO(5) nearly outperformed thus providing promising alternative for expanding scope pharmaceutical applications.