Post-modified FAU zeolites as efficient catalysts for the synthesis of coumarins

Herein, the effect of various treatments subjected to FAU zeolites to introduce mesoporosity has been examined on their efficiency as catalyst in the cyclisation of O-aryl 3-arylpropynoic acid ester to its corresponding coumarin. The addition of bio-sourced lignin residues in the alkaline desilication treatment induced the generation of supplementary mesoporosity, thus offering an optimal micro- and mesopores combination with respect to targeted activity and selectivity. The so-called bio-sourced secondary template (BSST) concept in the design of zeolite-based catalysts could be assessed. The use of renewable wood feedstocks can therefore be a valuable strategy for the zeolite post-modification, thus for the design of porous zeolite catalysts.