Alkylpyridines Transformations over Acidic Catalysts. An Example of Radical Reactions on Ionic Surfaces

4-Methyl-, 4-ethyl-, and 4-isopropylpyridine, ethyl-, and isopropylbenzene transformations were studied over the series of amorphous silica-aluminas. The main reactions of alkylpyridines were the transformations of the alkyl side chain. The crucial role of one-electron donor (radical) centres in the mentioned reactions was evidenced by the physicochemical characterization of the catalyst surfaces, the apparent correlation of activity vs. active centres concentration, and the dependence of product composition upon reaction conditions.