The direct synthesis of alkenylaromatics during catalytic transfer reduction (CTR) of aralkyl ketones with isopropyl alcohol over MgO of enhanced acidity Original Research Article

The direct synthesis of alkenylaromatics during catalytic transfer reduction (CTR) of aralkyl ketones with isopropyl alcohol over MgO of enhanced acidity has been investigated. Magnesia was successfully modified with H2SO4 and H3PO4. The studied ketones, acetophenone, 4-isopropylacetophenone, propiophenone, and 5-nonanone, were quantitatively transformed to alkenes under the adopted conditions. A long-time stability of the catalysts activity and reaction selectivity has been demonstrated.