Catalytic oxidation of isophorone to ketoisophorone over ruthenium supported MgAl-hydrotalcite

Selective oxidation of α-isophorone to ketoisophorone was carried out over Ruthenium supported MgAl-hydrotalcite in the temperature range 40–100 °C using acetonitrile as a solvent and tert-butyl hydroperoxide as an oxidant. The influence of various reaction parameters, such as reaction temperature, reaction time, substrate: catalyst mass ratio, substrate:oxidant mole ratio, and nature of solvent was studied. A maximum conversion of 60% KIP with 100% selectivity in 48 h was observed with a substrate: catalyst mass ratio of 10:1 at 60 °C.