Effect of hydration on the surface basicity and catalytic activity of Mg-rare earth mixed oxides for aldol condensation

The Mg3REOx catalysts exhibit a high catalytic activity for aldol condensation of acetone, which is dependent on a homogeneous basic surface of medium strength. Upon hydration pre-treatment, the basic properties on the surface of the Mg3REOx catalysts were changed markedly, and thehy-Mg3YOx catalyst has the highest activity.209