The long-term performance of reconstructed MgAl hydrotalcite in the aldol condensation of furfural and acetone

The scale-up procedure of the acetone-furfural aldol condensation was studied on Mg-Al mixed oxide (molar ratio of 3:1). The catalyst’s stability was evaluated in three consecutive condensation steps at 60–70 °C, WHSV = 1.6–2/h-1 and the acetone-furfural molar ratio of 5:1 (mol:mol). After each condensation step, the catalyst’s reactivation was performed at 450 °C, ambient pressure under 50 NL/h nitrogen flow for 4 h. The experiments showed that catalyst deactivation was an effect related to the amount of treated feedstock. Moreover, our results showed the possibility of deactivation compensation by increasing reaction temperature or decreasing feeding rate. From a reaction mechanism point of view, furfural reacted first with acetone to FAc (4-(2-furyl)-3-buten-2-one), a crucial compound for heavier compounds formation.