Characterization of Various Cation Exchanged and Pillared Artvin Bentonites and Their Use as a Catalyst in a Selected Organic Reaction

In this study, the catalytic activities of raw, some metal cations exchanged (Fe3+ and Cu2+) and Fe- and Alpillared Artvin bentonite samples as a catalyst for acetalization reaction of benzaldehyde with 2, 3-butanediol were investigated. The structural and physicochemical properties of clay samples were examined by using XRay powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform infrared (FTIR) and surface area measurement techniques. The yield of this organic reaction in the presence of Cu-bentonite and Alpillared bentonites were found as very low whereas Fe-bentonite and Fe-pillared bentonite catalysts showed 60 and 63% yield in acetalization under same conditions, respectively. This study showed that modified Artvin bentonite samples which is the one member of Turkey’s important local and natural sources can be used as catalyst in the selected organic reaction and their utilization in industrial process reactions in small scale.