Vapor-Phase Isomerization of o-Chlorotoluene over H-Mordenite Treated with CF3Cl

Vapor phase-isomerization of o-chlorotoluene was somewhat promoted by H-mordenite (HM). The catalytic activity was appreciably enhanced by treatment with CF3Cl and other chlorofluorocarbons such as CF2ClCF2Cl and CF2ClCF3. In particular, maintenance of the HM catalyst activity was remarkably improved by CF3Cl treatment. The CF3Cl-treated HM also promoted vapor phase isomerizations of p- and m-chlorotoluene. The catalytic activity was relatively long-lasting for the isomerization of p-chlorotoluene. Enlargement of the HM pore size on treatment with CF3Cl and other chlorofluorocarbons may contribute to increasing the catalytic activity and then maintaing it.