Method of making mesitylene

摘要

Mesitylene (1,3,5 trimethylbenzene) is made by passing acetone in the vapor phase over a niobium catalyst. The catalyst is preferably made by impregnating a silica support with 2% niobium by weight and calcining for about 18 hours at about 550 DEG C. 70% selectivity is obtained at 60-80% by weight conversion.