Meerwein–Ponndorf–Verley reaction of acetophenones with 2-propanol over MgAl mixed oxide: The substituent effect

The MPV reaction of several substituted acetophenones with 2-propanol over an Mg(Al)Ox catalyst were carried out to estimate the Hammett’s reaction constant. Also, the MPV reaction of acetophenone was carried out at different temperatures and variable amount of catalyst and 2-propanol:acetophenone molar ratios. The results show that the optimal reaction conditions are: 82 °C, 1 g of catalyst and an alcohol:ketone molar ratio of 30. In these conditions the yield and selectivity to 1-phenylethanol are 90% and 100%, respectively. These results are similar or better than the obtained by other catalysts in this process.