GB921510A - Improvements in and relating to the catalytic preparation of mesityl oxide from acetone - Google Patents

Abstract

A catalyst suitable for the conversion of acetone to mesityl oxide is prepared by contacting activated Al2O3 having a minor proportion of CaCl2 adsorbed on its surface with an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide and preferably drying the resultant catalyst. Methods of making mesityl oxide from acetone are described in which catalysts excluding CaCl2 are used. Specified alkali metal hydroxides are sodium and potassium hydroxide. The catalyst is preferably used in granular form, e.g. 8-200 mesh and reaction may be effected either by immersing the catalyst in acetone or trickling acetone over a catalyst layer. The reaction may be effected batchwize or continuously. Examples are given.ALSO:In a process for making mesityl oxide from acetone, the latter is contacted with an alkali-treated activated Al2O3 catalyst at a temperature above 50 DEG C., the resultant mixture of mesityl oxide, water and unreacted acetone are separated from the catalyst and the mesityl oxide recovered therefrom, the catalyst having been prepared by contacting activated Al2O3 with an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide and separating the treated alumina from the solution. The process may be carried out by passing acetone through a catalyst bed continuously or batchwise, a suitable reaction temperature being within the range 80-150 DEG C., and a space velocity of 1-12 per hour. Specified alkali metal hydroxides are sodium and potassium hydroxide. Prior to treatment with alkali the alumina may have a minor proportion of CaCl2 adsorbed thereon. Examples are given.