Mg/Al mixed oxides: Heterogeneous basic catalysts for the synthesis of salicylamide from urea and phenol

Several Mg/Al mixed oxides were prepared by thermal decomposition of hydrotalcites and used for the synthesis of salycilamide from urea and phenol. Their physicochemical properties were characterized by ICP, XRD, CO2-TPD and N2 adsorption/desorption techniques. Based on the results of catalytic testing and catalyst characterization, relationships between their catalytic performances and base properties were investigated. In addition, XRD characterization and re-usability testing indicated that these catalytic systems for salycilamide synthesis are heterogeneous in nature.

► The catalytic of Mg/Al mixed oxides were tested for salicylamide synthesis from urea and phenol. ► The salicylamide yield could be around 43.2%. ► They were heterogeneous catalytic systems for the salycilamide synthesis.