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Mono-alkylphenols and di-alkylphenols are used as raw materials in the production of a wide variety of materials like resins [1], wire enamels [2], surface-active agents [2], durable surface coatings [3] and else. Both heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts have been used in the alkylation of phenol, which classically, was carried out by Friedel–Crafts alkylation using Lewis acid type catalysts [4].

Zirconium phosphate (ZP) nanoparticles as an effective, eco-friendly and recoverable solid acid catalyst were prepared using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), zirconyl chloride and phosphoric acid through precipitation. After calcinations of PVA/ZP at 550 °C for 4 h, pure ZP nanoparticles with hexagonal shape were obtained. H-bonds between ZP and PVA along polymer chains play an important role in the dispersion of in situ formed ZP. The catalysts were characterized by several instrumental techniques such as BET, ICP-OES, XRD, FT-IR, SEM and TEM.

Different phenols were efficiently acetylated by using acetic anhydride in the presence of copper zirconium phosphate (ZPCu) as the catalyst, under solvent-free conditions. The catalyst was characterized by XRD, ICP-OES and SEM. Easy work-up and mild reaction conditions are distinct aspects of this protocol.