Benzene can be hydroxylated directly to phenol with oxygen in the presence of hydrogen over Pt/Pd containing acid catalysts such as zeolites (BEA, MOR, FER, MFI), acid resins such as Amberlyst, or Nafion/silica composites. The best results were obtained over Nafion/silica composites. As main side products hydroquinone and catechol were found. Various reaction parameters and catalyst preparation methods were optimised.
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Laufer et al. (2002) studied this question.
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