Synthesis of Kaolinite-Lactam Intercalation Compounds

Abstract

Intercalation compounds of kaolinite with 2-pyrrolidone and 2-piperidone have been prepared for the first time by displacing other intercalates. 2-Pyrrolidone expanded the lattice of kaolinite to 11.9 Å, while d₀₀₁ of 12.7 Å was observed with the kaolinite–2-piperidone intercalation compound. Their IR spectra indicated the formation of a hydrogen bond between the C=O of the lactams and the OH of kaolinite. Nevertheless, their interactions were different between these two intercalation compounds. By a comparison of their behaviors, it has been concluded that the kaolinite–2-pyrrolidone intercalation compound is thermally more stable than the kaolinite–2-piperidone intercalation compound.