Catalytic C-C bond formation promoted by Mg-Al-O-t-Bu hydrotalcite

Abstract

Mg-Al-O-t-Bu-hydrotalcite catalyst was found to be an efficient, environmentally attractive and selective solid base catalyst for 1,4 Michael addition. Mg-Al-O-t-Bu hydrotalcite is also effective for simple synthesis of ?,?-unsaturated esters and nitriles by condensation of the corresponding activated carboxylic esters or nitriles with various aldehydes by Knoevenagel condensation. These reactions proceeded at room temperature at a greater rate in the presence of Mg-Al-O-t-Bu hydrotalcite than in the presence of any of the other catalysts examined.