One-Pot Conversion of Acetone into Mesitylene over Combinations of Acid and Basic Catalysts

The transformation of acetone (a byproduct phenol manufacturing or a bioderived chemical) into mesitylene is very attractive reaction to prepare renewable fuels and chemicals. This has been studied over both base acid catalysts, with relevant limitations (side reactions oligomerization isophorones basic materials, etc.). We propose an alternative strategy perform this combining catalysts either as separate beds mechanical mixtures. For purpose, we first study the five representative materials (?-zeolite, Al-MCM-41, Mg–Al mixed oxide, MgO, TiO2). These studies allow determining rate-limiting steps identifying most catalytic properties enhance selectivity toward mesitylene, minimizing deactivation produced by permanent adsorption well side yielding undesired products (?-scissions). Once strategies are studied, using double Al-MCM-41 TiO2 optimum approach. observed synergistic effects productivity more than 57% active catalyst (Al-MCM-41), working at low temperature (250 °C). improvement due activity (TiO2), producing mixture mesityl oxide that contacts where second condensation dehydration so fast production stable, not being affected any process.