Effect of N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone on Al Distribution in MOR and Enhanced Activity in DME Carbonylation Reaction

A biased acid site distribution in mordenite (MOR), which refers to the enrichment of acid sites within 8-membered ring (MR) channels, was observed with the addition of N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) in the initial gel and verified by the enhanced activity in dimethyl ether (DME) carbonylation reaction. This is the first time that lactam has been proved effective in regulating acid site distribution, and the possible mechanism was investigated.