Layered double hydroxides as precursors for catalysts in Claisen-Schmidt condensation

MMgAlO and MAlO mixed oxides (where M = Cu, Co, Zn and Ni) were obtained by thermal decomposition of the corresponding layered double hydroxides (LDH) precursors and used as catalysts for Claisen-Schmidt condensation of 2’-hydroxyacetophenone and benzaldehyde under solvent-free conditions. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic absorption spectrometry and temperature-programmed desorption of CO2 (TPD-CO2). Gas chromatography – mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) methods were used for the identification and quantification of the product mixture. A 2’-hydroxychalcone and 2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-4H-chromen-4-one (flavanone) were received as main products. 3-Benzyl-2-phenyl-4H-chromen-4-one (3-benzylflavone) was achieved as a new product.