Mixed oxides of hydrotalcites as catalysts for nopol epoxidation

Abstract

Mixed oxides catalysts derived from Mg/Al hydrotalcite-type materials with molar ratios of 1, 2, 3 and 4 were synthesized. The catalytic activity of these materials was studied in the epoxidation of nopol using a combined oxidant of hydrogen peroxide and acetonitrile, in the presence of acetone and water as solvents. The catalytic activity of these materials was evaluated. The effect of temperature and basicity of the catalysts on the catalytic activity was analyzed. The best catalytic activity was obtained over the catalyst HT-4, with 99% conversion and epoxide selectivity of 38% at 60°C and 2 hours.