The liquid phase alkylation of benzene with dec-1-ene was catalyzed by 12-tungstophosphoric acid (WP) supported on different solids (ZrO(2), SiO(2), activated carbon and boehmite-Al(2)O(3)). Catalysts prepared with 20 wt.% of WP were thermally treated at 300 degrees C and then the acidity was estimated by FTIR pyridine adsorption spectroscopy. Additionally, the catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, thermal gravimetric analysis, and N(2) adsorption measurements. Thermal stability of supported WP and changes in textural properties of the catalysts were analyzed. Of all the catalysts, 20WP on SiO(2) showed the highest acidity and was found to be the most active catalyst in alkylation of benzene with dec-1-ene at 80 degrees C, at dec-1-ene conversion of 70% and alkyl benzenes selectivity of nearly 40%. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.