A new way to synthesize benzoin isopropyl ether on Cu-Fe-hydrotalcite

An efficient synthesis of benzoin isopropyl ether with benzaldehyde and propanol in the presence of heterogeneous recyclable Cu-Fe-hydrotalcite catalyst has been explored. Cu-Fe-hydrotalcite was firstly successfully synthesized over Jahn-Teller effect of Cu2+. The catalytic test result showed that Cu-Fe-hydrotalcite could be used as a good catalyst in the synthesis of benzoin isopropyl ether. The highest conversion of benzaldehyde was 59.7% and the selectivity of benzoin isopropyl ether was nearly 100%. By this new method, not only was the cyanide poisoning avoided, but also the synthesis of benzoin isopropyl ether could be completed in one step instead of traditional two steps with both condensation and etherification.