Heterogeneous Aldol Condensation Catalysis for Upgrading of Biomass-derived Feedstocks: Obstacles and Solutions

It is demonstrated how performance and stability of various MgO-based catalysts in aldol condensation are affected by the solvent properties and the presence of carboxylic acids. Aldol condensation of butanone with benzaldehyde is used to probe the nature (acidic vs. basic) of surface sites and their susceptibility to acid poisoning.