Aldol Condensation of Acetaldehyde and Guerbet Coupling of Ethanol Catalyzed By Hydroxyapatite and Magnesia

Hydroxyapatite, a bifunctional material, and magnesia, a solid base, were used to determine the effect acid-base properties play on the aldol condensation of acetaldehyde and the Guerbet coupling of ethanol. A kinetic model was used to determine the heat of adsorption and activation energy of aldol condensation.