ABSTRACT
Abstract Linear alkylbenzenes (LAB’s) comprising >80% 2-phenyl isomer content have been prepared in sustainable high yields from detergent-range linear olefins via regioselective benzene alkylation. HF-treated mordenites, acidic β-zeolites, and fluorided montmorillonite clays each provide enhanced shape-selective alkylation performance when employed as heterogeneous catalysts in the subject syntheses. Both individual C8-C12 α-olefins, as well as mixed, plant-derived, C10 through C14 paraffin dehydrogenate feedstocks containing ca. 8.5% internal olefins, have been successfully alkylated.
