Mixed metal oxide catalysts for the selective oxidation of ethylbenzene to acetophenone

MgAl and MgMAl oxides (M = Co, Ni and Cu) with a Mg:M:Al molar ratio = 4:1:1 were synthesized from the calcination of their corresponding layered double hydroxide (LDHs) precursors. Their catalytic activities were examined for the oxidation of ethylbenzene using tert-butylhydroperoxide (TBHP) as an oxidant. The oxidized product was mainly acetophenone. The catalytic activities were in the order of MgCuAl > MgNiAl ∼ NiAl ∼ MgCoAl ∼ CoAl > CuAl > MgAl oxides. Reusability studies show that the catalysts are stable under the reaction conditions.