Catalytic performance of supported KNO₃ solid bases for methylation of cyclopentadiene

The catalytic performance of a series of supported KNO₃ solid bases for the synthesis of methylcyclopentadiene via cyclopentadiene (CPD) methylation with methanol was studied. Compared with MgO, the mechanical mixture of MgO and γ-Al₂O₃ exhibited better catalytic capacity with respect to both conversion and selectivity, indicating that the addition of acidic species on MgO is advantageous for the conversion of CPD. The KNO₃-related catalysts could be regenerated by in situ calcination with O₂ with little loss of catalytic activity. The yield of methylcyclopentadiene was low over single-component oxides, whereas KNO₃ supported on γ-Al₂O₃ and hydrotalcite had the best catalytic activity in the methylation of CPD.