Catalysts based on Mg(Li)Al-Layered double hydroxides for the reaction of aldol condensation of furfural with acetone

Single-phase layered double hydroxides (LDH) with different cationic compositions (LiAl-LDH with Li/Al = 0.5 and MgAl-LDH with Mg/Al=2 and 4) were synthesized by the eco-friendly mechanochemical method. Their structural properties, as well as textural properties of the mixed oxides prepared by the calcination of the LDH at 550 °С, were studied. The effect of the form of the catalysts based on LDH (hydroxide, oxide) and cationic composition on their properties in the reaction of aldol condensation of furfural with acetone was found. Also, the effect of the reaction conditions (reaction temperature, the mass ratio of the furfural to the acetone, the mass ratio of the furfural to the catalyst) on the catalysts activity and selectivity of the different reaction product formation were studied.