Solid superbase derived from lanthanum–magnesium composite oxide and its catalytic performance in the knoevenagel condensation under solvent-free condition

We report for the first time the synthesis of a novel solid superbase that was derived from lanthanum–magnesium composite oxide and KOH through thermal treatment. The as-prepared material shows base strength (H–) above 26.5 and is a high-efficiency catalyst for solvent-free Knoevenagel condensation at room temperature. The results of the present study open up a new dimension for the use of composite oxides as new support materials in the synthesis of superbases.

► The solid superbase using Mg-La composite oxide as support has been obtained.
► It exhibits high catalytic efficiency in solvent-free Knoevenagel condensation at RT.
► The catalytic performance depends on the strength and the amount of superbasic sites.