Controllable self-aldol condensation of cyclopentanone over MgO-ZrO2 mixed oxides: Origin of activity & selectivity

• Synthesis of MgO-ZrO2 mixed oxides with various Mg/Zr ratio for self-aldol condensation of cyclopentanone
• Systematical investigation of the effects of temperature, reaction time and catalyst amount on the reaction
• Exploring the origin of high activity and selectivity of MgO-ZrO2 mixed oxides
• Achievement of self-aldol condensation of cyclopentanone with high yield (84.6%) under mild conditions

Mesoporous MgO-ZrO2 mixed oxides with different Mg/Zr ratios have been synthesized by a coprecipitation method and employed to catalyze self-aldol condensation of cyclopentanone in a solvent-free condition under atmospheric pressure. Effects of temperature, reaction time, catalyst amount and Mg/Zr ratio on the reaction have been investigated. Remarkable raise in catalytic activity and selectivity has been found on MgO-ZrO2 mixed oxides as compared with pure MgO or ZrO2. Characterization including XRD, XPS, BET and CO2- TPD has been carried out to figure out the relationship between catalyst properties and their catalytic activity.

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