LAUSR

For the acetalization reaction between glycerol and formaldehyde two mesoporous catalyst were prepared, characterized and tested. Mesoporous silicas (MCM-41 and HMS) were synthesized and used as supports for the phosphotungstic acid based catalysts. Glycerol was converted to glycerol formal through a solventless acetalization reaction with formaldehyde catalyzed by tungstophosphorous acid supported on two type of mesoporous silica (30PW/MCM41 and 30PW/HMS). The reaction was carried out in a batch reactor, at 120�C, using 2% catalyst. The highest yield ] 98.5% was achieved over mesoporous 30PW/HMS catalyst. Catalyst characterization was performed by determining the textural characteristics, acid strength and by SEM analyses. The catalytic activity of the catalysts was compared, using the same conditions with two comercial acid catalysts : Amberlyst 15 and p-toluen sulphonic acid on polymer support (PTS/polymer).