Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for the selective alkylation of phenols using heteropolyacid catalyst supported onto zirconia under mild conditions. The process is economically viable since the catalyst regenerated after the initial reaction on further use gives the product in high yield.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for the selective alkylation of phenols using heteropolyacid catalyst supported onto zirconia under mild conditions. The process is economically viable since the catalyst regenerated after the initial reaction on further use gives the product in high yield.

Abstract: An eco-friendly synergistic heterogeneous solid catalyst for use in reactions such as alkylation, acylation, oligomerization, isomerization, hydration, dehydration, etherification, esterification, hydrocracking and nitration of organic compounds comprising: a synergistic combination of sulfated metal oxide and mesoporous zeotypes comprising: Silicon (Si) 50-60 wt %, Zirconium (Zr) 40-50 wt %, Sulfur (S) 5-10 wt % and having a surface area in the range of 200-500 m2/g; a pore volume in the range of 0.1-0.3 m3/g; a pore diameter in the range of 25-35 Å; and a XRD peak at 2&thgr; being 0-3. The invention also covers the process of manufacture of the above catalysts and its use in particular for producing oligomers from alpha-olefins, Friedel-Crafts alkylation and acylation reactions.