Reusability of Mg/Al catalysts for the aldol condensation of furfural and acetone in a continuous flow reactor

Identifier:  imarina:9450002

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/imarina9450002

Authors:  Munir, S; Constants, M; Medina, F

Abstract:
Hydrotalcite catalysts with a Mg: Al ratio of 3:1 were assessed for the aldol condensation of furfural with acetone on a continuous packed bed reactor. The as-prepared (FHT), calcined (CHT), and rehydrated (RHT) hydrotalcites were characterized and their activity was tested at 100 degrees C and 12 bar(a) with an acetone:furfural ratio of 10:1 at a furfural WHSV of 5.77 h- 1. FHT showed low conversion and deactivated fast. CHT and RHT exhibited complete conversion during 2 and 4 h, respectively, and deactivated to a 20 % conversion after 8-11 h. The main products were (E)-4-(furan-2-yl)but-3-en-2-on (C8) and (1E,4E)-1,5-di(furan-2-yl)penta-1,4-dien-3-one (C13). Small amounts of higher molar mass products formed by ketonization were observed, and they were linked to the deposition of insoluble oligomers. Reuse of the spent catalysts by recalcination to remove the organic deposits was evaluated for a total of four reaction tests. A gradual loss of performance was seen after each reactivation treatment.