Development of highly efficient Friedel-Crafts alkylations with alcohols using heterogeneous catalysts under continuous-flow conditions.

The development of Friedel-Crafts alkylations with alcohols under continuous-flow conditions using heterogeneous catalysts is reported. The reactivities and durabilities of the examined catalysts were systematically investigated, which showed that montmorillonite clay is the best catalyst for these reactions. A high turnover frequency of 9.0 × 10 2 h -1 was recorded under continuous-flow conditions, and the continuous operation was successfully maintained over one week.