Cyanoethylation of alcohols by activated Mg-Al layered double hydroxides: Influence of rehydration conditions and Mg/Al molar ratio on Brönsted basicity

► Mg-Al layered double hydroxides are activated in gas phase at 80 °C. ► The activation time is considerably shortened by increased temperature. ► Thus, obtained Brönsted basic catalysts are tested for cyanoethylation of alcohols. ► Basic strength is estimated by CDCl3 adsorption followed by FTIR. ► Correlations are established between basic strength and catalytic activity.