Diels-Alder Reaction between Isoprene and Methyl Acrylate over Different Zeolites: Influence of Pore Topology and Acidity

The Diels-Alder reaction between isoprene and methyl acrylate over several zeolites was thoroughly investigated. ZSM-5 zeolites provided the highest productivity in methyl 4-methylcyclohex-3-enecarboxylate isomer, achieving 0.219 mmol product per mmol H⁺ in 1 hour. In addition, this study highlights the influence of ZSM-5 zeolite's Brønsted acidity and crystal size on its performance in the Diels-Alder reaction. An optimal configuration between the two reactants within the medium-pore-sized ZSM-5 framework is obtained, thus suggesting the presence of a confinement effect.