ميترا عيسوندرجبي

Benzaldehyde (C₆H₅CHO) is a key aromatic organic compound in the chemical industry whose unique structural features an‎d reactivity underpin broad applications in pharmaceuticals, perfumery, phenolic resin production, an‎d the synthesis of chemical intermediates. Given its importance, the development of synthetic routes that are economically viable, operationally safe, an‎d environmentally sustainable has remained a persistent focus of research. In this study, the synthesis of benzaldehyde from the precursor benzyl alcohol was investigated using industrial-grade reagents—an intentional choice to emulate industrial conditions an‎d enhance the generalizability of the results. To this end, two heterogeneous catalytic systems with phase-transfer (PT) functionality—dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA) an‎d sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS)—each combined with ferric chloride, were employed. Catalyst structures were identified an‎d confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). By facilitating transfer between the aqueous an‎d organic phases in a biphasic medium, these catalysts contributed to higher reaction rates an‎d improved yields. Oxidation was conducted with two cost-effective oxidants, nitric acid (HNO₃) an‎d sodium nitrite (NaNO₂), at a controlled temperature of 100 °C for an optimized duration of 4 h. Product quality was assessed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC), an‎d quantitative eva‎luation was performed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Experimental results showed that, in the absence of a catalyst, selec‎tivity was 94.09% an‎d yield was approximately 54.30%. In the presence of DBSA, selec‎tivity an‎d yield were 92.75% an‎d 61.12%, respectively, while SDBS afforded a selec‎tivity of 93.20% with a yield of 60.87%. These findings highlight the pivotal role of phase-transfer catalytic systems in enhancing both yield an‎d selec‎tivity in the oxidation of benzyl alcohol for targeted benzaldehyde production. A careful analysis indicates that combining appropriate operating conditions with PT catalysts can effectively increase process efficiency, improve economic feasibility, an‎d mitigate side reactions in benzaldehyde synthesis.

سنتز بنزآلدئيد , كاتاليز صنعتي , واكنش‌هاي اكسيداسيون , بنزيل الكل

Benzaldehyde synthesis , Industrial catalysis , Pilot-scale optimization , Oxidation reactions

Mitra Isvand Rajabi

Omid Vahidi