An efficient multifunctional catalyst for one-pot synthesis of methyl isobutyl ketone: Phosphor-doped h-BN with adjustable acid-base property as support

Abstract

Developing multifunctional catalyst for cascade reactions such as one-pot synthesis of methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) from acetone and hydrogen is critical for practical applications. Here, we adjusted the acid-base property by doping phosphor into h-BN and used it as support for Pd. Experiments and characterizations indicated that the phosphor-doped h-BN could catalyze the aldol condensation and dehydration by modulating the ratio of BNH2, N2P=O and N3P-OH groups thereon. An acetone conversion of 58.24% and MIBK selectivity of 68.39% were achieved over Pd/BN(H)P-E-0.07, providing a new avenue for metal-free materials utilized in the cascade reactions.