Catalytic C–C Bond Formation Promoted by Mg–Al–O–t-Bu Hydrotalcite

Mg–Al–O–t-Bu-hydrotalcite catalyst was found to be an efficient, environmentally attractive and selective solid base catalyst for 1,4 Michael addition. Mg–Al–O–t-Bu hydrotalcite is also effective for simple synthesis of α,β-unsaturated esters and nitriles by condensation of the corresponding activated carboxylic esters or nitriles with various aldehydes by Knoevenagel condensation. These reactions proceeded at room temperature at a greater rate in the presence of Mg–Al–O–t-Bu hydrotalcite than in the presence of any of the other catalysts examined.