Reduction of alkyl alkyl, aryl alkyl and cyclic ketones by catalytic hydrogen transfer over magnesium oxide

Abstract

The reduction of a series of alkyl alkyl, aryl alkyl and cyclic ketones by catalytic hydrogen transfer (CTR) from isopropyl alcohol over magnesium oxide has been investigated. CTR over MgO was found to be an effective and selective route to the corresponding methanols. At temperatures above 523 K para-substituted phenylmethanols underwent consecutive dehydration leading to the formation of the corresponding styrene derivatives with satisfying yields. These processes were studied in a flow system working continuously. A long-time stability of the catalyst activity has been demonstrated.