Synthesis of alpha ,beta -unsaturated ketones over thermally activated Mg-Al hydrotalcites

Abstract

The prepn. of alpha ,beta -unsatd. ketones on hydrotalcite-like Mg-Al oxides was studied. The selectivity to alpha ,beta -unsatd. ketones (mesityl oxide, isomesityl oxide, and isophorone) in acetone condensation over these catalysts was practically 100%. The formation of IP increased with increasing Al content. The cyclization of linear trimers to yield isophorone is favored on samples with high surface hydroxylation. [on SciFinder (R)]