Guerbet condensation of methanol with n-propanol to isobutyl alcohol over heterogeneous bifunctional catalysts based on Mg-Al mixed oxides partially substituted by different metal components

The synthesis of isobutyl alcohol, via the Guerbet condensation of methanol with n-propanol, was studied. Bifunctional heterogeneous catalysts based on dehydrogenating/hydrogenating metals (Pd, Rh, Ni or Cu) and basic Mg/Al mixed oxides, obtained from hydrotalcite-type (HT) precursors, were investigated. Co-precipitated systems based on Cu/Mg/Al mixed oxides revealed the best performances, in terms of activity and selectivity.