Ni−Cu Hydrotalcite‐Derived Mixed Oxides as Highly Selective and Stable Catalysts for the Synthesis of β‐Branched Bioalcohols by the Guerbet Reaction

Abstract A series of Ni−Cu hydrotalcite‐derived mixed oxides have been synthesized and evaluated as heterogeneous catalysts for the dimerization of linear aliphatic alcohols to afford β‐branched Guerbet alcohols. The use of the hydrotalcite‐structured catalyst precursor highly favors the catalyst stability. This Cu/Ni catalyst has an enhanced reducibility of Ni 2+ species under reaction conditions, favoring the hydrogen transfer and hydrogenation capacity of the catalyst system. Catalytic results are reported for C 8 , mixed C 8 /C 10 , and C 18 alcohol feeds, with full conversions and Guerbet product purities of 72.5–96 %.