Controllable self-aldol condensation of cyclopentanone over MgO-ZrO2 mixed oxides: Origin of activity & selectivity

Abstract Mesoporous MgO-ZrO 2 mixed oxides with different Mg/Zr ratios have been synthesized by a coprecipitation method and employed to catalyze self-aldol condensation of cyclopentanone in a solvent-free condition under atmospheric pressure. Effects of temperature, reaction time, catalyst amount and Mg/Zr ratio on the reaction have been investigated. Remarkable raise in catalytic activity and selectivity has been found on MgO-ZrO 2 mixed oxides as compared with pure MgO or ZrO 2 . Characterization including XRD, XPS, BET and CO 2 - TPD has been carried out to figure out the relationship between catalyst properties and their catalytic activity.