Isomerization of eugenol and safrole over MgAl hydrotalcite, a solid base catalyst†
Abstract
Isomerization of olefins, in particular eugenol and safrole, is an important reaction as the products, namely isoeugenol and isosafrole, find application in pharmaceuticals and fragrances. The catalyst employed to carry out this reaction is either a strong alkaline solution (KOH or KOtBu) or precious metal catalysts under homogenous conditions, which pose severe environmental problems such as handling and effluent disposal as well as cost. The present paper discloses a new alternative route wherein hydrotalcite is used as a solid base catalyst, which is environmentally friendly as well as economical in obtaining good yields of the isomerized products.