SELECTIVE CATECHOL SYNTHESIS BY TiO_2 PHOTOCATALYSIS WITH THE AID OF A LAYERED SILICATE ADSORBENT, HUS-7

Abstract

We report on selective catechol synthesis through the photocatalytic oxidation of benzene by TiO_2 with the aid of a layered silicate (HUS-7) adsorbent that precisely recognizes catechol. The photocatalytic oxidation of benzene in acetonitrile was conducted in a circulation reactor composed of a photo-irradiating container in which TiO_2 disks were placed and an adsorbing container in which HUS-7 disks were placed. After washing the recovered HUS-7 with an aqueous solution of ethanol, catechol was eluted in a 93% purity. This indicates that catechol generated near TiO_2 migrated to HUS-7 and was captured selectively and efficiently without overoxidation.