Base Catalysis for Fine Chemicals Production: Claisen-Schmidt Condensation on Zeolites and Hydrotalcites for Production of Chalcones and Flavanones of Pharmaceutical Interest

Article abstract of DOI:10.1006/jcat.1995.1008

Chalcones and flavanones of commercial interest have been obtained with high yields and selectivities using solid base catalysts derived from hydrotalcites.The Al/(Al + Mg) ratio and hydrotalcite crystallite size are important parameters controlling catalyst activity.These catalysts give better results than acid- (HY) or alkaline-exchanged Y zeolites.An optimized hydrotalcite shows excellent catalytic properties for the synthesis of 2',4,4'-trimethoxychalcone (Vesidryl), a product of pharmaceutical interest.The reactivity of substituted acetophenones and benzaldehyde follows the Hammet correlation.In addition to electronic effects, geometrical effects can also play a role in the reactivity of substituted acetophenones and benzaldehyde.